The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSLAW) on Friday destroyed over 2,800 illicit firearms in its fifth arms destruction exercise held in Abuja.
The exercise marks a significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to combat violent crime, terrorism, and insecurity.
Speaking at the event, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a major threat to national security.
Represented by Maj.-Gen. Hillary Mabeokwu, Director of Defence Affairs in the Office of the NSA, Ribadu said the government remains committed to tackling the complex challenge of controlling the spread of illicit firearms.
He noted that the NCCSLAW, established in 2021, serves as a strategic platform to combat arms proliferation.
“The centre provides a structured framework to address national security threats in line with international protocols, including Article 24 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons,” he said.
Ribadu also commended the enactment of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, signed by Bola Tinubu, describing it as a landmark step toward achieving an arms-free society.
“This Act provides the legal foundation for the centre to carry out its mandate more effectively,” he added.
Director-General of NCCSLAW, Johnson Kokumo, said the destruction exercise demonstrates the agency’s commitment to curbing the spread of illicit weapons and promoting regional peace.
He revealed that more than 16,000 illicit, decommissioned, and obsolete weapons have been destroyed since the centre’s inception, with 2,800 firearms eliminated in the latest exercise.
Kokumo explained that the weapons, including locally fabricated arms, were recovered from police commands nationwide, as well as from the military and other security agencies.
He added that the exercise aligns with international standards, including the ECOWAS Convention and the United Nations Programme of Action to prevent and combat the illicit trade in small arms.
Kokumo urged citizens to support security agencies by providing timely information, stressing that public cooperation is vital to ensuring peace and security across the country.
The event was attended by top security officials, representatives of service chiefs, heads of government agencies, ECOWAS delegates, civil society groups, corps members, and the media.
