🇳🇬 NSA Ribadu Tags Illicit Arms a “Monstrous Threat” to Nigeria

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has warned that the unchecked flow of illicit weapons poses a “monstrous threat” to Nigeria’s peace, stability and development.

Zig Diaries | Defence
Date: Thursday, 28 August 2025
Time: 14:30 WAT
Location: 📍 Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja, Nigeria

Ribadu’s remarks came as the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) carried out its fifth major destruction exercise in Abuja, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to cut off the supply lines feeding insecurity.

According to a statement from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ribadu said the illicit weapons crisis fuels terrorism, banditry, violent extremism and organised crime across the country and the wider region.

“The uncontrolled spread of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a monstrous threat to Nigeria and the region,” Ribadu declared.

“They are the oxygen of terrorism, kidnapping and banditry. By destroying these weapons, we send a clear message: Nigeria will not allow criminals to hold its citizens hostage.”

He praised the National Centre for sustaining momentum in its mandate, stressing that Nigeria’s geographic position at the crossroads of West and Central Africa has made it a critical target for arms traffickers.

“Our response must be bold, coordinated and relentless. Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the UN and our regional neighbours to choke off the illicit flows fuelling instability,” Ribadu added.

The NSA also commended the Armed Forces, Police, Customs, civil society, and development partners such as ECOWAS, UNDP, HALO Trust, BICC, WAANSA and MAG for supporting the disarmament effort.

The event drew Service Chiefs, security agency heads, foreign diplomats and civil society leaders, giving both symbolic and technical weight to Nigeria’s arms control agenda.

Fact Check & Background Context

·        Mandate: NCCSALW was established in May 2021 under ONSA, tasked with implementing ECOWAS and UN arms control frameworks.

·        Reality: Nigeria’s location makes it a transit hub for weapons flowing from Libya, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea.

·        Impact: Illicit arms are a major driver of insurgency in the Northeast and banditry in the Northwest.

·        Policy Note: Destruction exercises are a recognised global best practice for removing seized or obsolete weapons permanently from circulation.

🏷️ Tag: Nuhu Ribadu, NSA, Nigeria Defence, Illicit Arms, NCCSALW, National Security, Abuja

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