Ribadu Advocates for Updated National Survey on Illicit Arms in Nigeria

National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has expressed strong support for a new National Baseline Survey on illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. He stated that the country must replace outdated data from 2016 and address identified methodological and coordination gaps from the previous survey. Ribadu emphasized that the proposed survey is essential for providing credible evidence regarding the scale, distribution, and movement of illicit weapons, which is crucial for strengthening the government's response to related security challenges.

Speaking through the Director of External Affairs in the Office of the NSA, Mr. Solomon Feyintola, at a workshop focused on lessons learned from the 2016 survey, Ribadu described the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons as a significant national security threat. He linked the availability of these weapons to various forms of violence, including banditry, communal conflicts, and terrorism.

Ribadu pointed out that the 2016 survey offered valuable insights into the nature and scale of illicit weapons proliferation, which helped shape government policies, including the establishment of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). However, he acknowledged that the experience also revealed challenges that must be addressed before conducting another survey.

He stressed the need for a thorough review of the previous survey's outcomes, questioning what worked, what did not, and what improvements are necessary for the upcoming survey. Ribadu highlighted that an accurate national baseline is a strategic asset that can enhance counter-proliferation and disarmament efforts, enabling authorities to track illicit weapons more effectively.

The NSA also called for a collaborative approach involving various stakeholders, including security agencies, local governments, traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and communities. He underscored the importance of international partnerships, welcoming the involvement of officials from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA).

Dr. Adedeji Ebo, the Director/Deputy High Representative of UNODA, echoed Ribadu's sentiments, stating that Nigeria can no longer rely solely on data from 2016 to assess the current threats posed by illicit arms. He noted that the security landscape has evolved significantly over the past decade, making updated data essential for effective policy formulation.

Ebo emphasized that the new survey would help identify the number and types of illicit weapons in circulation, determine trafficking routes, and assess the impact of these weapons on communities. He argued that reliable data is crucial for targeting government interventions and measuring progress in arms control efforts.

The workshop aimed to facilitate a comprehensive review of the 2016 survey and to outline the methodology and scope for the forthcoming national assessment. The Director-General of the NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, reiterated that illicit small arms and light weapons pose persistent threats to peace and security in Nigeria and the broader West African region. He called for sound policies based on accurate information to effectively address the challenges posed by illicit weapons proliferation.