National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has emphasized that Nigeria's fight against terrorism can only succeed through concerted government efforts and citizen unity to control the proliferation of illicit arms.
Ribadu made this statement during the public destruction of illicitly acquired, decommissioned, and unserviceable small arms and light weapons conducted by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by the Special Adviser on Governance and Subnational Liaison, Mr. Asishana Okauru, Ribadu described the proliferation of small arms and light weapons as a significant threat to national security that drives violent conflict, crime, and terrorism within and beyond Nigeria's borders.
Global Failure in Arms Control
"The failure of the global community to effectively control the availability of illicit arms and weapons has continued to undermine global peace and significantly hinder development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa," Ribadu stated.
He acknowledged the complexity of controlling small arms proliferation in Nigeria but expressed optimism about overcoming these challenges through unified national action.
"We recognise the complexity of the challenges of controlling the proliferation of SALW in Nigeria and the requirement for concerted action amongst the government, international community, and all well-meaning Civil Society Organisations. Nonetheless, we are resolved to galvanise our strengths and unity as a nation to confront these monstrous challenges, and I am optimistic that we shall surmount them," he added.
Institutional Framework for Arms Control
Ribadu highlighted that the establishment of the NCCSALW in 2021 was a historic step toward addressing small arms proliferation through an institutional platform that structurally addresses security threats within international protocols.
He further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's signing of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 demonstrates Nigeria's commitment to eliminating illicit arms in the country.
The destruction exercise, conducted at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri, marked the fourth such event since the centre's establishment in 2021.
Call for Citizen Participation
The NSA emphasized that the destruction exercise serves as a reminder of Nigerians' collective responsibility to support the government and security agencies in combating criminality, terrorism, and banditry.
"It is a clarion call to reclaim our security space and restore our nation to the path of peace, security, and development. We, as patriotic citizens, must stand up to be counted at this time by providing information to the security agencies, and we must trust the Government to bring the state's authority to bear in ensuring that all Nigerians, wherever they may reside, enjoy the peace and security that they truly deserve," Ribadu stated.
He also revealed that the Federal Government is taking firm steps through relevant ministries and agencies to tighten domestic controls to prevent and reduce the flow of small arms and light weapons into illegal hands.
Ribadu commended the NCCSALW for its milestone achievements within its short existence and expressed confidence in the centre's commitment to successfully delivering on its mandate of significantly eradicating illicit arms from society.
