The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed that a significant portion of illicit weapons circulating in Nigeria originally belonged to the Federal Government.
Ribadu made this disclosure on Thursday during an arms destruction exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Abuja.
According to the NSA, these weapons found their way into the hands of non-state actors due to the involvement of corrupt elements within the nation’s security agencies. “It is unfortunate that some members of our security agencies are complicit in facilitating the distribution of these arms to terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups,” Ribadu stated.
He condemned the actions of such security personnel, stressing that their betrayal has exacerbated the security challenges in the country. “Those who are sworn to protect this country are the same ones undermining its security by arming criminals,” Ribadu lamented.
In his remarks, the NSA reassured the public that the government is committed to taking all necessary steps to restore security across Nigeria. “We will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the circulation of illegal weapons is curtailed and that those responsible are brought to justice,” he added.
The arms destruction exercise is part of broader efforts to curb the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in the country.
