The Federal Government has intensified its efforts to combat insecurity by destroying thousands of recovered illegal firearms, reaffirming its determination to eliminate the widespread circulation of illicit weapons that continue to fuel violent crimes across Nigeria.
Speaking during a public arms destruction exercise held at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, Abuja, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, assured Nigerians that the administration remains unwavering in its commitment to improving security through sustained operations targeting illegal arms.
The event, organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), witnessed the destruction of 2,819 illicit, decommissioned, and unserviceable small arms and light weapons recovered from criminal elements by various security agencies across the country.
The latest exercise marks another significant achievement for the Centre, which has now destroyed approximately 19,000 illegal weapons since it began operations.
Authorities believe the initiative is an important step toward reducing the availability of firearms used by terrorists, kidnappers, armed robbers, bandits, separatist groups and other criminal networks threatening public safety.
Ribadu, represented at the ceremony by the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, described the destruction of recovered weapons as more than a symbolic event.
According to him, each firearm eliminated represents a potential attack prevented and another blow dealt to organised criminal groups.
He explained that the illegal circulation of small arms remains one of the greatest drivers of insecurity in Nigeria, enabling violent groups to carry out attacks on communities, security personnel and critical national infrastructure.
According to the NSA, removing such weapons from circulation directly weakens the operational capacity of criminal organisations.
“Every weapon recovered and destroyed by the security agencies represents a threat permanently neutralized. We are crushing threats one weapon at a time,” Ribadu stated.
He noted that the Federal Government has continued to strengthen its national security architecture under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through a comprehensive strategy designed to address evolving security challenges.
According to him, the President has approved a modern security framework anchored on intelligence-led operations, enhanced collaboration among security agencies, disruption of criminal financing, and expanded cooperation with regional and international partners.
Ribadu said the new approach has continued to produce encouraging results across different parts of the country.
He pointed to sustained military offensives against terrorist groups, improved border surveillance, intelligence-driven operations and stronger inter-agency coordination as evidence that the country’s security framework is becoming more effective.
The NSA stressed that while military operations remain essential in combating insurgency and violent crimes, eliminating illegal weapons from circulation is equally critical in ensuring lasting peace.
He explained that reducing the number of firearms available to criminal groups significantly limits their ability to launch attacks, recruit new members and maintain their operations.
According to him, the destruction of illicit arms should be viewed as a strategic component of the government’s long-term security agenda rather than a routine ceremonial exercise.
He maintained that every firearm destroyed contributes to making Nigerian communities safer while complementing ongoing operations being carried out by security agencies nationwide.
Ribadu also applauded the leadership of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, led by its Director-General, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Kokumo, for maintaining consistency in implementing the federal government’s arms control programme.
He praised the dedication of the Centre’s personnel, describing their work as vital to the country’s broader efforts to curb illegal arms proliferation and reduce violent crime.
The NSA equally acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Customs Service, and other security organisations responsible for intercepting and recovering the destroyed weapons.
He noted that the success recorded so far reflects growing cooperation among security agencies despite the complex nature of Nigeria’s security challenges.
According to him, the Office of the National Security Adviser will continue coordinating efforts among the various agencies to ensure intelligence is effectively shared and security operations are properly synchronized.
Ribadu further reassured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains fully committed to fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property across every region of the country.
He said public destruction exercises such as the one held in Abuja demonstrate that recovered weapons are being permanently removed from circulation instead of finding their way back into the hands of criminals.
The NSA added that transparency in handling recovered firearms is essential in building public confidence in government institutions and reinforcing trust in ongoing security reforms.
He stressed that lasting success in the fight against insecurity cannot be achieved by security agencies alone.
According to him, community participation remains indispensable in identifying threats before they escalate into major security incidents.
He therefore appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, community associations and ordinary citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.
Providing credible and timely intelligence, he said, would enable security agencies to prevent attacks, dismantle criminal networks and respond swiftly to emerging threats before they become fully operational.
Security experts have consistently identified the unchecked spread of small arms and light weapons as one of the major factors sustaining violent crimes across Nigeria.
Authorities believe that sustained recovery and destruction of illicit firearms, combined with stronger intelligence gathering and improved law enforcement coordination, will significantly reduce the capacity of criminal groups to threaten national peace and stability.
With another 2,819 firearms permanently destroyed, the Federal Government says it remains focused on sustaining the momentum against illegal arms proliferation while strengthening measures aimed at restoring security and protecting communities across the country.