Weak Armory Management in Nigeria Fuels Small Arms Proliferation, Threatening National Security

The article highlights the detrimental impact of weak armory management in Nigeria, as noted by Johnson Kokumo, the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). The mismanagement of official stockpiles of arms within security institutions has contributed to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons across the country, particularly in regions like the North East, North West, and Niger Delta. This situation has been exploited by criminals, compromising national security and enabling violent activities.

Nigeria's outdated firearm laws, such as the 1959 Firearms Act, have proven inadequate in addressing the current reality of weapon trafficking, terrorism, and other illicit activities. The ease of access to small arms and light weapons has led to a breakdown of law and order, with illegal firearms circulating within the West African sub-region. This proliferation of arms has serious implications for peace and security, with armed criminal elements fortifying themselves and posing a threat to citizens and the state.