Police must intercept illegal weapons before they reach criminals – IGP Disu

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has asserted that each illegal firearm that is recovered and destroyed plays a crucial role in enhancing public safety and fortifying national security.

The IGP also called for increased collaboration and real-time intelligence sharing between the Nigeria Police Force and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, NCCSALW.

The police chief spoke on Thursday while hosting the Director-General and management team of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

Highlighting the significance of ongoing efforts against the proliferation of arms, IGP Disu remarked, “Every weapon that is recovered and destroyed diminishes the threat posed by criminals and enhances the effectiveness of policing.”

He pointed out that the Nigeria Police Force, as the principal internal security agency of the nation, is at the forefront of retrieving illicit, stolen, and locally manufactured firearms through specialized units such as the Intelligence Response Team, IRT, and other tactical formations.

He described the visit as long overdue and commended the Centre for its dedication to curbing the spread of illegal weapons, assuring that the Nigeria Police would persist in strengthening its collaboration with the agency.

The IGP also lauded the Centre for conducting specialized training on armoury management, arms safety, and the handling of recovered weapons, describing this initiative as advantageous for police personnel.

Emphasizing the need for greater synergy among security agencies, IGP Disu underscored that intelligence is the most effective instrument in the fight against illegal arms trafficking.

He stated, “Intelligence is our most formidable asset. It is imperative that we share information fluidly and in real time to intercept illegal weapons before they reach criminal organizations.”

He cautioned that illegal firearms continue to infiltrate the country via roads, waterways, and porous borders, with many originating from conflict zones before dispersing throughout various regions of Nigeria.

The Inspector General of Police also pointed out that black markets and unauthorized local arms manufacturers are significant contributors to the influx of illicit weapons. He disclosed that security forces have seized locally made firearms that are crafted to mimic imported ones, complete with counterfeit serial numbers and branding.

He called for heightened efforts to dismantle illegal arms manufacturing networks, asserting that disrupting production would greatly diminish the supply of weapons to criminal factions.

Regarding the security of armories, IGP Disu emphasized the necessity for regular audits and stricter oversight of personnel tasked with protecting government weapons. He remarked that past incidents involving the unlawful diversion and sale of firearms by security personnel underscored the need for enhanced accountability measures.

The police chief further promoted ongoing public awareness initiatives to motivate citizens to report illegal weapons and to support current civil disarmament efforts.

“Security is a collective responsibility. The presence of illegal firearms in private hands ultimately endangers innocent citizens, and we all have a part to play in tackling this issue,” he remarked.

With elections on the horizon, the IGP revealed that the Nigeria Police Force has escalated operations to recover illegal firearms from unauthorized individuals and assured that this initiative would become increasingly vigorous in the upcoming months. He also suggested a collaborative nationwide campaign with the National Centre to promote the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd), emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among government entities, security agencies, development partners, and other stakeholders to combat the spread of illicit small arms and light weapons throughout Nigeria.

Kokumo stated that ongoing cooperation, institutional backing, and effective coordination are vital for bolstering the Centre’s ability to confront the escalating threat posed by the unlawful distribution of weapons.

“Addressing the proliferation of small arms necessitates a comprehensive approach involving both government and society. No single organization can tackle this issue effectively on its own,” he remarked.

He reiterated the Centre’s dedication to collaborating with the Nigeria Police Force and other stakeholders to execute policies and initiatives designed to mitigate the spread of illegal arms and promote peace and security nationwide.

Police must intercept illegal weapons before they reach criminals – IGP Disu