Ribadu Highlights Illicit Arms as Key Driver of Insecurity in Nigeria

In a recent address in Abuja, National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu underscored the critical role of illicit small arms and light weapons in exacerbating insecurity, banditry, terrorism, and communal violence across Nigeria. Ribadu made these remarks during a workshop focused on lessons learned from the 2016 National Baseline Survey on Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in partnership with the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

Ribadu, represented by Mr. Solomon Feyintola, the Director of External Affairs in the Office of the NSA, stated that the presence of illicit weapons is fueling violent criminal activities throughout the nation. He pointed out that these weapons are particularly influential in banditry in the North-West, conflicts between farmers and herders in the North-Central, and in enhancing the operational capabilities of terrorist groups in the North-East.

He articulated that the issue of illicit arms proliferation is not merely a policy concern but a significant threat to public safety. "Behind every statistic on illicit weapons is a community that has lost its peace, a family that has lost a loved one, or a livelihood that has been destroyed," Ribadu remarked.

The NSA emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to base its responses on reliable and current data rather than estimates. He recalled that the 2016 survey provided vital insights into the nature and scale of illicit arms proliferation, which informed national policies and led to the establishment of the NCCSALW and the development of a National Action Plan.

Ribadu called for a thorough review of the previous survey's outcomes before initiating a new one, questioning what had worked, what had not, and what improvements could be made. He asserted that a credible baseline would enhance national efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit arms and improve the strategies for disarmament and counter-proliferation.

He urged the involvement of various stakeholders, including security agencies, local governments, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, and communities in the upcoming survey. Ribadu also highlighted the importance of international collaboration, particularly the technical support from UNODA and the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa.

The workshop aimed to extract practical lessons from the 2016 survey and to outline a roadmap for conducting a credible and comprehensive new national survey. Retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, Director-General of NCCSALW, noted that Nigeria's security landscape has evolved since the last survey, necessitating updated data on illicit arms.

Dr. Adedeji Ebo from UNODA stressed that relying on data from 2016 would not suffice for assessing current security threats. He advocated for a rigorous and inclusive new survey that integrates various community perspectives, including those of traditional leaders, women, youths, and survivors of armed violence. Ebo affirmed UNODA's commitment to supporting Nigeria in translating the survey findings into effective policies.