ECOWAS Warns of National Security Risks from Arms Diversion

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has issued a warning to its member states regarding the diversion of legally acquired arms for illicit purposes, which poses a significant threat to national security. This announcement coincided with the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) reporting the destruction of more than 17,000 unserviceable, obsolete, and decommissioned weapons, along with over 20,000 rounds of illicit ammunition since its establishment in 2021.

The disclosures were made during a five-day In-Security Training on Physical Security, Stockpile Management, and Property Management for National Security in Nigeria, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, organized by ECOWAS in collaboration with the Bonn International Centre for Conflict Studies. Abayomi Adeomi, Acting Head of the ECOWAS Small Arms Division, praised the cooperation of the Federal Government, NCCSALW, and Rivers State Government.

He stressed the importance of comprehensive stockpile management to prevent the diversion of weapons from authorized stockpiles, highlighting the need for accurate inventory records and routine inspections.