Kokumo: Terrorism, Violent Extremism, Illegal Arms Proliferation Inseparable Vices

• IGP calls for improved management of police armouries nationwide

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (Rtd), has described terrorism, violent extremism and illegal arms proliferation as inseparable vices, stressing that the availability of illicit weapons has continued to fuel various forms of violent crimes.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Inspector-General of Police at the IGP Conference Room, Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Kokumo disclosed that the Centre had destroyed over 16,000 obsolete, decommissioned and unserviceable weapons since its establishment.

He also commended the Nigeria Police Force for its contribution to the Centre’s arms disposal efforts, revealing that the Force had supplied a total of 11,907 illicit, unserviceable, obsolete and decommissioned weapons.

According to him, the figure comprised 8,438 automatic weapons and 3,489 locally fabricated firearms.

“We are happy to say before you, the Inspector-General of Police, that the Centre has destroyed over 16,000 obsolete, decommissioned and unserviceable weapons since its inception.

“The Nigerian Police Force, a Force that I am very proud of, was able to supply to the Centre a total number of 11,907 illicit, unserviceable, obsolete and decommissioned weapons,” Kokumo said.

He identified the proliferation of illicit weapons as a major concern, noting that such firearms could emerge from porous borders, diversion from government stockpiles or local fabrication by artisanal producers.

He said some locally manufactured weapons had become increasingly sophisticated and capable of functioning similarly to conventional firearms.

“The proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in Nigeria and terrorism, violent extremism are intertwined. They are inseparable. It is the availability of illicit weapons that encourages violent extremism and all forms of violent crimes across the board,” he stated.

Kokumo said the Centre was seeking stronger institutional collaboration with the Police, particularly in the areas of armoury management, discipline, accountability, intelligence sharing and support for prosecution.

Responding, Disu stressed the importance of improved armoury management practices within the Nigeria Police Force, emphasising that effective control, accountability and routine inspection of weapon storage facilities were essential to national security.

“Armoury security is equally critical. We must strengthen the security of our armouries against external threats and internal compromise. It is important that only trustworthy personnel are entrusted with the responsibility of managing these facilities, while regular inspections, audits and inventory checks are carried out to ensure accountability,” IGP Disu said.

The Police boss also highlighted the need to address the challenge of locally manufactured illicit firearms through enhanced intelligence, collaboration and targeted measures.

“We must pay close attention to illegal arms markets and clandestine manufacturing activities. Some locally produced firearms closely resemble imported weapons, making it necessary to intensify efforts against illegal manufacturers.

“By addressing these sources, we can reduce the circulation of illicit weapons and strengthen public safety,” he stated.