NCCSALW DESTROYS 1,316 ILLICIT ARMS
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms & Light Weapons (NCCSALW) conducted a successful Arms Destruction Exercise today, 28 August 2025, at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja. A total of 1,316 illicit arms were destroyed in the presence of key dignitaries, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, and other top government and security officials.
This event marks another milestone in Nigeria’s fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW). The exercise featured symbolic burning followed by controlled smelting ensuring the permanent elimination of these dangerous weapons from circulation.
In his keynote address, the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, emphasized that the proliferation of SALW remains a grave threat to national security, fuelling violent conflicts, crimes, and terrorism. He reiterated Nigeria’s strengthened commitment to global and regional arms control frameworks, citing the recently enacted Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 as a critical step in providing the legal foundation for effective arms control. He further called on Nigerians to support security agencies by sharing information and standing united to safeguard peace, stability, and development.
Earlier, the Director General of NCCSALW, DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd) mni, welcomed dignitaries to the exercise, noting that this is the fifth major arms destruction exercise conducted by the Centre since its establishment in 2021. He highlighted that the destroyed weapons were mopped up from diverse kinetic operations across the country and stressed that the Centre remains focused on its vision of building an illicit arms-free society in line with Nigeria’s national security objectives and international obligations under the ECOWAS Convention and the UN Programme of Action.
The DG also appreciated the unwavering support of the NSA, Service Chiefs, security agencies, and international partners who continue to work with the Centre in pursuit of a safer Nigeria.
Today’s destruction exercise serves as a strong reminder of Nigeria’s collective resolve to defeat insecurity, restore peace, and reaffirm its commitment to a safer, weapons-free society.
#NCCSALW #ArmsDestruction #NationalSecurity #SALWControl #ECOWAS #UNPoA #Nigeria