Federal Government Intensifies Efforts to Curb Illicit Arms Proliferation in Nigeria

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), which operates under the Office of the National Security Adviser, has intensified its campaign to stop the spread of illicit arms throughout Nigeria by deepening cooperation with key partners.

As part of this effort, Director‑General Johnson Kokumo spent three days in Maiduguri, Borno State, to strengthen alliances and advance actions that curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the North‑East.

During a dinner and stakeholder engagement that drew representatives from the Borno State Government and security agencies, Kokumo emphasized that tighter collaboration among relevant institutions would markedly reduce the circulation of illegal weapons and enhance security across the country.

Represented at the dinner by NCCSALW’s Director of Administration and Finance, Brig‑Gen. M. S. Adamu, Kokumo noted that the centre is working closely with security agencies and other stakeholders to recover illicit weapons for destruction.

He added that the Federal Government had authorized the centre to prosecute individuals involved in the illegal arms trade, underscoring the need for ongoing support and cooperation.

Kokumo explained that NCCSALW was created by an Act of the National Assembly in 2024 to tackle the proliferation, trafficking, unlawful possession and misuse of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria.

He also pointed out that the North‑East Zonal Centre, headquartered in Maiduguri, covers Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brig‑Gen. Ishak, praised the centre’s work in combating illegal arms proliferation and pledged the state’s continued support for its mandate.

Maj‑Gen. Abubakar Adamu (retired), the North‑East Zonal Director of NCCSALW, reaffirmed the centre’s commitment to maintaining strong partnerships with stakeholders to ensure proper control, accountability and lawful management of recovered weapons.

Other participants included Barrister Zana Mustapha, Chairman of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisation Network in Borno State; the Borno State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC); and representatives from the DSS, NDLEA, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, as well as senior officials of the centre.

During his visit, Kokumo also met with centre staff, urging them to remain dedicated and professional in their duties. He inspected the construction of the North‑East permanent site of the centre, paid a courtesy visit to Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI, Maj‑Gen. A. E. Abubakar, and examined a proposed site for an armoury facility.