The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has declared that every illegal firearm recovered and destroyed contributes significantly to improving public safety and strengthening national security, as he called for deeper collaboration and real-time intelligence sharing between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).
The IGP made the remarks on Thursday while receiving the Director-General and management team of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Emphasising the importance of sustained efforts against arms proliferation, IGP Disu said, “Every weapon recovered and destroyed reduces the threat posed by criminals and makes policing more effective.”
He noted that the Nigeria Police Force, as the country’s primary internal security agency, remains at the forefront of recovering illicit, stolen and locally manufactured firearms through specialised formations such as the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and other tactical units.
Welcoming the delegation, the police chief described the visit as long overdue and commended the Centre for its commitment to reducing the spread of illegal weapons, assuring that the Nigeria Police would continue to strengthen its partnership with the agency.
The IGP also praised the Centre for organising specialised training on armoury management, arms safety and the handling of recovered weapons, describing the initiative as beneficial to police personnel.
Calling for greater synergy among security agencies, IGP Disu stressed that intelligence remains the most effective tool in combating illegal arms trafficking.
“Intelligence remains our greatest weapon. We must share information seamlessly and in real time to intercept illegal weapons before they get into the hands of criminal elements,” he said.
He warned that illicit firearms continue to enter the country through roads, waterways and porous borders, with many originating from conflict zones before finding their way into different parts of Nigeria.
The IGP also identified black markets and illegal local arms manufacturers as major sources of illicit weapons, revealing that security operatives have recovered locally fabricated firearms designed to resemble imported weapons, complete with imitation serial numbers and branding.
He called for intensified efforts to dismantle illegal arms manufacturing networks, saying disrupting production would significantly reduce the availability of weapons to criminal groups.
On armoury security, IGP Disu stressed the need for regular audits and stricter supervision of personnel responsible for safeguarding government weapons. He noted that previous cases involving the illegal diversion and sale of firearms by security personnel highlighted the need for stronger accountability measures.
The police chief further advocated sustained public awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to report illegal weapons and support ongoing civil disarmament efforts.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Illegal firearms in private hands ultimately threaten innocent citizens, and we all have a role to play in addressing this challenge,” he added.
With elections approaching, the IGP disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force has intensified operations to recover illegal firearms from unauthorised persons and pledged that the exercise would become more aggressive in the coming months. He also proposed a joint nationwide campaign with the National Centre to encourage the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons.
Earlier, the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd), called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to tackle the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons across Nigeria.
DIG Kokumo said sustained cooperation, institutional support and effective coordination are essential to strengthening the Centre’s capacity to address the growing threat posed by the illegal circulation of weapons.
“Combating the proliferation of small arms requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach. No single institution can effectively address this challenge in isolation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to working with the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders to implement policies and programmes aimed at reducing the proliferation of illegal arms and enhancing peace and security across the country.
