Nigeria has destroyed more than 13,000 unserviceable and illicit weapons in the past four years, reinforcing its resolve to curb armed violence and restore peace. The milestone was achieved by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), under the leadership of retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Johnson Kokumo.

Speaking at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, during the fifth arms destruction exercise on Thursday, Kokumo said 1,316 weapons were neutralized at the latest event. “This brings the overall number of arms destroyed since 2021 to over 13,230,” he stated.

Kokumo emphasized that the exercise is part of routine measures to build a safer society. “Its importance in promoting an illicit-arms-free society and enhancing Nigeria’s national security cannot be overemphasized,” he said.

He explained that the process was not only symbolic but a practical demonstration of accountability, ensuring that illicit arms never re-enter circulation.

“We have successfully destroyed more than 13,230 weapons handed over by the military, the police, and other security agencies in the last four years,” he noted.

The programme is also aligned with Nigeria’s international obligations. Kokumo explained: “What we are doing today is fulfilling our commitments under Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit arms.”

He further revealed that the centre is collaborating with Chad and Cameroon to stop cross-border trafficking of arms.

According to him, the arms destroyed included weapons seized during anti-banditry and counter-terrorism operations, as well as obsolete firearms voluntarily surrendered by law enforcement agencies.

Frontpagenews.ng reports that the government believes routine destruction of arms will help suppress armed groups and strengthen public safety.