Insecurity: 11,000 arms recovered by police submitted for destruction
Nigeria Police Force Remits Over 11,000 Recovered Weapons for Destruction
The Nigeria Police Force has handed over more than 11,000 recovered arms to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) for destruction, according to an announcement made on Wednesday by the Centre’s Director-General, retired Deputy Inspector General Johnson Babatunde Kokumo.
Kokumo, during a courtesy visit to Niger State Commissioner of Police Adamu Abdullahi Elleman at the Command Headquarters in Minna, outlined the significance of the transfer. He stated that the destruction of these weapons is part of efforts to prevent their re-entry into the hands of criminal elements, particularly as the proliferation of illicit arms continues to exacerbate banditry and other violent crimes in the region.
He praised Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu for his directive requiring state police commands to submit recovered arms and ammunition to NCCSALW following thorough investigations and necessary protocols.
Kokumo emphasized the importance of collaboration and information sharing between the Niger Police Command and NCCSALW. He highlighted that effective inter-agency cooperation is essential to combat the spread of illicit weapons.
Established by the Federal Government, NCCSALW is tasked with coordinating efforts to address the issues related to small arms and light weapons. The Centre operates with zonal structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and plans to enhance its operations through state-level offices.
Accompanied by Abdullahi Adamu Eneche, the Centre’s North-Central Zonal Director, Kokumo acknowledged the strong working relationship between the Niger Police Command and NCCSALW. He described his meeting with CP Elleman as both official and symbolic, recalling their past professional interactions.
In response, CP Elleman commended Kokumo’s contributions as a respected retired police officer and mentor. He assured dedication from the Niger Police Command in supporting NCCSALW’s initiatives.
Elleman confirmed that arms and ammunition recovered by his command would be sent to NCCSALW through proper channels after completing necessary investigations. He indicated that this practice aligns with existing directives aimed at ensuring that recovered weapons do not re-enter the criminal underworld.
The meeting underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to address the challenge posed by illicit weapons, a significant factor in the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes in Nigeria’s North-Central region.
