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Tag: Nuhu Ribadu

  • UPDATED: Customs hands over massive arms, ammunition to NSA in Lagos

    UPDATED: Customs hands over massive arms, ammunition to NSA in Lagos

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has handed over a cache of smuggled arms and ammunition intercepted by its officers to the office of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu. 

    While the exact value of the seized weapons was not disclosed, officials confirmed that a total of 1,599 assorted firearms and 2,298 live cartridges were transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Lagos on Thursday. 

    The development comes as part of ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms in the country. Notably, in less than two years after assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 into law on June 4, 2024.

    Security experts view this swift legislative move as a testament to the President’s firm commitment to strengthening national security and ensuring lasting peace across Nigeria.

    Addressing reporters during the official handing over ceremony of seized arms and ammunition at the Federal Operation Unit (FOU) Zone “A”, Ikeja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed that the service has the mandate of protecting national borders through targeted anti-smuggling operations and precise intelligence-driven interventions.

    The track record of the service in intercepting illegal arms and ammunition, Adeniyi said, underscores their frontline role in maintaining national security.

    The seizure, the CGC said, coincided with heightened security challenges from armed bandits in the North-West and illegal arms proliferation in the South-East, revealing the linkage between transnational smuggling networks and our domestic security challenges.

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    Through sustained intelligence operations, Adeniyi said, “In May 2018, the Service intercepted a significant cache of arms consisting of 440 pump action rifles and accessories, ingeniously concealed within 516 bags of Plaster of Paris (POP) cement in a 1x20ft container with number PONU210024/1.

    “We also intercepted two additional containers – CMAU 189817/8 and GESU 255208/1 at Tin-Can Island Port, similarly concealing arms and ammunition among sanitary wares. Today’s handover encompasses a total of 1,599 assorted arms and 2,298 live cartridges recovered from these operations.

    Following this seizure, the Customs boss said, “We deployed forensic capabilities to conduct detailed electronic analysis of customs documentation and shipping records. Through established diplomatic channels, we partnered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage the Turkish Embassy, leading to the definitive identification of the purchasing company. The investigation trail, supported by financial records obtained through court orders, enabled us to establish the identities of those behind this illegal arms shipment.

    Through strategic inter-agency cooperation, particularly with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Adeniyi added, “We successfully prosecuted the case (Suit No: FHC/L/339C/2018) before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The defendants – Great James Oil and Gas Limited, Ifeuwa Moses Christ, and Emeka Umeh Festus A.K.A (Amankwa) – were convicted on eight count charges. This prosecution success reinforces the Service’s zero-tolerance stance against arms trafficking and validates the effectiveness of our judicial collaboration. Our proven investigative and prosecutorial approach is currently being applied to recent seizures at the Port of Onne, where ongoing investigations continue to yield significant progress within established legal frameworks.

    “Our integrated strategy combining thorough investigation, decisive prosecution, and successful conviction has proven effective in dismantling smuggling networks. Let me be clear – the Service will spare no resource in hunting down, exposing, and prosecuting anyone who attempts to compromise our national security through arms trafficking. We stand ready to deploy our full arsenal of intelligence and enforcement capabilities to protect legitimate trade while ensuring Nigeria’s security interests remain paramount.”

    While saluting the professionalism and courage of his officers who work tirelessly, often in challenging circumstances, to protect our borders, he gave kudos to other “agencies who have stood shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this fight – your support has been instrumental in these achievements. Together, we continue to build formidable barriers against those who threaten our national security,” Adeniyi said.

    The handover of the weapons to NCCSALW yesterday, Adeniyi said, “symbolizes the service’s commitment to proper disposal of seized arms and highlights our resolve to rid our nation of illegal weapons. We will continue the ongoing collaborations with relevant authorities to strengthen our borders and protect our nation.”

    In his address, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu who was represented by the Director General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd) gave kudos to the leadership of Customs Service for its steadfast determination, which he said, was “key to our collective fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons.

    According to Kokomo, “I recall with pride the notable arms bust of July 2024 when the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 844 rifles and 112,500 rounds of live ammunition at Onne, Port Harcourt. The recovered weapons were promptly handed over to the National Centre, and importantly, suspects including the principal suspect, Ali Samson Ofoma, along with nine accomplices (Okechukwu Gabriel Charles, Kingsley Mbibi, and Akinkuade Mayowa Segun among others) were subsequently arrested in Abuja and are now facing prosecution.

    Their apprehension, he said, “underscores the critical role of our coordinated efforts and reinforces why agencies must continue channelling intercepted arms to the Centre.”

    Regarding yesterday’s handover of intercepted illicit arms by the Nigeria Customs Service, the National Centre, said it will take all necessary measures, in line with relevant conventions and best practices, to permanently remove these weapons from circulation.

    Since its establishment on the 3rd of May 2021, the National Centre has spearheaded multi-stakeholder initiatives to curb the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. We have engaged with ministries, security agencies, international partners, and civil society organisations alike to advance our mission of building a safer, more secure Nigeria and West Africa.

    “Notably, within a short period after assuming office, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR (Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces), signed the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 into law on 4 June 2024. This swift legislative action underscores the President’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace and tranquillity in Nigeria and demonstrates the premium he places on national security for all Nigerians.

    Kokumo emphasised that the Centre’s mandate extends, “far beyond merely receiving illegally acquired arms. As the leading organization for controlling the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, the National Centre implements and supervises strategies and policies, collaborates with law enforcement and international bodies (including ECOWAS, the AU, and the UN), manages a national database of weapons, and secures recovered arms. Additionally, the Centre serves as the custodian of other categories including obsolete stockpiles held by various arms-bearing agencies-which, no longer serving any operational purpose, must be removed from armouries to eliminate potential security risks under international best practices and relevant treaties.

    “By effectively managing the entire lifecycle of small arms and light weapons from registration and tracking to seizure and destruction, the Centre, he said, actively strengthens our collective security and aligns with global efforts to combat the illicit trade in arms.

    “The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has been steadfast in his commitment to our national security, providing the necessary support and enabling environment for the Centre to perform its core functions, thereby mitigating threats such as terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, pipeline vandalism, and other challenges to our national peace and stability. The National Centre remains grateful to him for his leadership and support,” Kokumo said.

  • Ribadu seeks holistic approach in tackling energy security challenges

    Ribadu seeks holistic approach in tackling energy security challenges

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for a holistic approach in addressing security challenges in oil and gas sector of the economy.

    Ribadu observed that  the Nigeria oil and gas sector was faced with a systemic problem saying there was an urgent need  for more structured, systematic and resilient methods of addressing the issues.

    The NSA spoke in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, at a meeting organised by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa for stakeholders in oil and gas sector.

    Ribadu, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Energy Security and Niger Delta Affairs, Osaretin Ihu Grace, aligned with the remarks of the CDS, underscoring the need to address the security concerns in the sector.  

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    He said while a technical recalibration was important, a strategic reorientation should be pursued in recognition of interdependence between energy security and national stability.

    Ribadu said: “Years of mismanagement and underinvestment in key infrastructural assets have left the sector vulnerable.”

    He insisted that a well-structured response and comprehensive reforms in areas such as maintenance, technology adoption and workforce training was needed in the sector.

    He said the challenges were in two fold of achieving the production mandate and fortifying the security of the nation’s energy infrastructure.

    Ribadu appealed to all stakeholders including government, industry leaders, and local communities, to transcend traditional operational paradigms and embrace innovative, long-term solutions in the sector.

    He said: “The sector has been a recurrent target of criminal elements and insurgent groups. Ensuring the integrity of oil installations and transport routes remains a critical challenge that directly impacts production output.

    “The multiplicity of players in Nigeria’s oil and gas landscape, ranging from multinational corporations to indigenous communities, demands a coordinated and inclusive strategy that fosters transparency and accountability.”

    Ribadu noted the persistent threats posed by militant groups, vandalism, and other forms of disruption, but said enhancing security measures was critical not only for maintaining production levels but also for safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of those in the affected communities.

    The CDS, General Musa had during his address acknowledged the efforts of all participants and appreciated President Bola Tinubu for his visionary leadership, which he said reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the oil and gas sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s socioeconomic development.

  • Why forfeited illicit arms pose security threats, by NSA

    Why forfeited illicit arms pose security threats, by NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has called for proper management of forfeited arms by preventing them from becoming a national security challenge.

    Ribadu spoke at a workshop on Forfeiture/Handling of Small Arms and Light Weapons by Courts After Judgment for Prosecutors of Firearms Cases and Other Stakeholders yesterday in Abuja.

    The event with the theme: Strengthening Procedural Approaches for the Forfeiture and Safe Disposal of Arms and Light Weapons, was organised by National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

    Ribadu, who was represented by the Director of Law Enforcement and Liaison, Rex Dundun, an Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), noted that once arms were seized and designated as forfeited, the assurance that those weapons were properly managed was a priority.

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    The NSA said of utmost concern should be to ensure that forfeited arms must be securely managed to prevent them from re-entering illegal circulation and pose national security challenge.

    He said: “This gathering today serves as both a call to action and an opportunity to reinforce our commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s security landscape.

    “The National Centre’s proactive initiatives in curbing arms proliferation underscore Nigeria’s dedication to reinforcing our internal security architecture.

    “This retreat is a timely intervention, addressing not just a procedural aspect of arms management but a strategic element that impacts our ability to control illicit arms flow effectively.

    “Forfeited arms represent a significant national security challenge; once they are seized and designated as forfeited, the assurance that these weapons are securely managed and do not re-enter illegal circulation becomes a priority.”

    The Director-General of NCCSALW, Johnson Kokumo, a retired Deputy inspector General of Police (DIG), said the retreat would serves as an essential platform to discuss and strategise on the complex, and evolve legal landscape surrounding the forfeiture and handling of small arms and light weapons by the courts after judgment.

    Kokumo said the retreat became necessary as the centre had been fully empowered to address the complexities of small arms and light weapons management in Nigeria and beyond as contained in the recently assented National Centre Act, 2024.

    The guest speaker, Simon Lough, a Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), noted that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons had been a serious concern to Nigeria other parts of West Africa.

    Lough said Nigeria was in the forefront to championing the establishment of a centre to mop up small arms in circulation and ensure that they no longer constitute threats to national security.

  • Timely alarm

    Timely alarm

    •NSA should move against security personnel giving government’s arms to criminals

    National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has highlighted the source of weapons that terrorists, bandits and non-state actors were finding handy in perpetrating their criminal exploits. He accused rogue elements within the security services of selling weapons that belonged to government to the criminal elements.

    Speaking at the destruction of illegal arms by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms And Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), penultimate Thursday, Ribadu said a sizeable number of illicit arms being used to commit crimes in the country originally belonged to government. According to him, the weapons ended up with criminals through corrupt elements within the security services that facilitated their movement into illegal hands. The NSA had harsh words for such treacherous personnel and assured that government would spare no effort to ensure the country is safe, secured and protected.

    “We have to find a way of putting a stop to this. We must, if we want to recover our country and live in peace and stability. The worst human being is a policeman or a soldier who will take arms from his own formations and sell it or hire it out for the bad people to come and kill his own colleagues,” Ribadu said. “We must fight these people… The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to our national security, exacerbating issues such as insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes,” he further stated, adding that all illicit arms – not just unserviceable ones – were being destroyed in government’s demonstration of commitment to a secure future for all Nigerians. The NSA explained that any weapon that is out there in the polity without due process documentation is illegal, saying: “We have laws that govern ownership of small arms. If you do not follow it, it is an illegal arm and it is supposed to be destroyed completely.”

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    At the destruction of illicit arms carried out at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment of the Nigerian Army in Giri, Abuja, NCCSALW Director-General Johnson Kokumo, a retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, gave a sneak view of the magnitude of the challenge at hand. He said more than 2,400 weapons comprising a mix of unserviceable, decommissioned and recovered arms were being destroyed at the exercise, which he said was the third since the centre was established, though the first since his assumption of command.

    “It is also important to state that the national centre has in its custody some recovered/captured illicit SALW (small and light weapons) still undergoing tracing as well as investigations and legal processes. These include the illicit weapons handed over to the centre by the Nigeria Customs Service. These categories of weapons would be destroyed on completion of the processes during subsequent routine destruction exercises,” he added inter alia.

    If there is anyone who should know how illicit weapons get trafficked, it is the NSA, and it is laudable that he called out suspected channels of the deadly transaction. Was it an attempt at deflecting blame somewhat when the Defence Headquarters, last week, said government arms got into terrorists’ hands when they attacked military formations? Speaking while addressing reporters on military operations across the country, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-Gen. Edward Buba, said: “When we talk about proliferation of arms, first, you have to look at what happened in Libya years ago, in the Sahel. This allowed arms to get into wrong hands and then filtered into our country. This worsened the issue of insurgency and terrorism that we are faced with in the country.” He added: “It is not a surprise. As we have seen, several of our troops have been ambushed or killed and their arms taken. But what we have done is that in every such instance, we have made the terrorists pay a greater price than we have been forced to pay in such circumstances.”

    We have heard the narrative as Defence Headquarters plied before, and it has not helped in dealing with the scourge of illicit arms. On the other hand, Ribadu’s comment marked a radical introspection on where to look in tackling the menace – and coming from the horse’s mouth, as they say. That comment, however, was only his job half done. The security services must be made to firm up their weapons accounting system, and it falls on the NSA’s table to make them do that. Besides routine documentation, for instance, technology can be used to track every arm that passes through respective service from the point of procurement to disposal, and full account given for every government weapon. In-built chips can also be used in every government weapon, such that even if terrorists were to snatch such weapons in ambush attacks on security personnel, they could yet be tracked and recovered.

    We commend Ribadu for his courageous disclosure on how illicit arms get trafficked, but we also urge him to earnestly get to work on remediation.

  • Merchants of blood and bullets

    Merchants of blood and bullets

    Sir: There is a reason Nigeria is still fighting ragtag enemies it should have vanquished many years ago: saboteurs within its ranks. Vicious vipers. Enemies by any other name. Betrayers. Cowardly sell-outs. There is really no fitting description for their vile enterprise. Even the strongest words can only come close.

    At a recent destruction of about 2400 seized/recovered illicit small arms in Abuja, Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, let loose a chilling revelation: that some unscrupulous personnel in some security agencies were selling arms to the criminals tormenting Nigeria.

    Since 2009, Nigeria has fought tooth and nail to cling on to every inch of its territory. The country has been haunted by the terrifying spectre of poor morale among troops fighting the fiends fracturing Nigeria. This poor morale coupled with a general lack of preparedness by the country to anticipate and confront insecurity has left its flanks exposed to insecurity.

    Entire communities have been displaced, many lives lost and livelihoods obliterated by insecurity. Indeed, the fact that Nigerians have had to add insecurity to their grinding poverty has made for one of the most painful experiences of nationhood anywhere on earth.

    Even before bandits joined Boko Haram terrorists in the insecurity queue, a question that has slackened the lips of many Nigerians is: who is sponsoring terrorists in Nigeria?

    The Nigerian government has been unable to comprehensively answer this question despite the abundance of resources available to.

    These sponsors of insecurity have never been known, at least not to the public. It has also appeared that Nigerian authorities have been reluctant to discover and expose them. Apparently, some of those supposedly fighting terrorism in the country are aiding it instead. When arms that are supposed to go into the fight against insecurity are trafficked and used to aid terrorists by the people who are supposed to be fighting them, it means the war will never end.

    Read Also: How Abdoul Kader Hamadou emerged Niger’s top digital media, music czar

    This disclosure prompts many questions that are all of vital importance in the quest to rid Nigeria of niggling insecurity. Do Nigerian security agencies know its personnel who are in bed with terrorists? If they don’t, what are they doing to find out?

    What are they doing about their personnel who have been discovered as trading arms to criminals? How are they getting them to  provide useful intelligence on the ongoing fight against terrorism?

    This last question is important because a security personnel who sells arms to terrorists may as well be aiding them in other ways. For all Nigerians know, compromised security personnel may in addition to trading arms leak sensitive information to those fighting the country.

    In the last decade, insecurity has been the thorniest of Nigeria’s problems. That is no mean feat in a country which has battled colossal corruption and grinding poverty for decades now.

    Many gallant defenders of the country have lost their lives in the line of duty. With the NSA’s revelation, many of them died by weapons that should have been trained on terrorists instead. There have been ambushes resulting in deadly attacks on Nigerian troops in circumstances that make it clear that information was leaked. So much of the pain Nigeria has experienced from insecurity has come from the actions of saboteurs within its ranks.

    That is why there is a need for an extensive and unsparing investigation into the loyalties of those who make up the ranks of Nigeria’s security agencies. All those found to have their loyalties elsewhere must be rooted out and forcefully punished. Nigeria cannot continue to shoot itself in the foot by sending into battle those who would gleefully see it defeated.

    It is bad enough that corruption has corroded every aspect of life in Nigeria. Allowing it to compromise the fight against insecurity and send many to their early grave is unacceptable.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com

  • FG investigating Gulf of Guinea as major route for arms trafficking – NSA

    FG investigating Gulf of Guinea as major route for arms trafficking – NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, says the Federal Government is investigating Gulf of Guinea (GoG) as a major route for arms trafficking into Nigeria.

    Ribadu made this known at a two-Day Seminar on Climate Change and the Changing Dynamics of Arms Proliferation and Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea: Nigeria in Perspective, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The seminar was organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Office of the National Security Adviser in Collaboration with the Global Network for Human Development.

    Ribadu was represented by the Director of External Affairs, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ibrahim Babani.

    He said the GoG had abundant natural resources and underground mineral deposits boasting of an estimated 24 billion barrels of crude oil reserves, contributing roughly five million barrels daily to global crude chain.

    According to him, the region constitutes of 16 countries including Nigeria, spread along its roughly 6,000 kilometres of unbroken coastline.

    “It is the maritime gateway between Africa and the rest of the world.

    “However, the lucrative nature of the GoG in terms of natural resources, movement of ships and related economic activities attracts strange bedfellows and men of the underworld with ulterior motives pursuing nefarious activities in the GoG.

    “Organised crime syndicates are involved in various devastating crimes, notably; drug trafficking, human trafficking, oil theft, kidnaping & hostage taking of ship crews, piracy, smuggling of contraband goods.

    “In this category lies the smuggling of Small Arms and Light Weapons by international crime syndicates.

    “Though there have been reports on the proliferation of SALW through the Maritime Sector, the government is interested in further interrogation of the GoG as a major route for arms trafficking,’’ he said.

    The NSA said there was need for additional interrogation of the nexus between climate change, armed violence and the proliferation of arms within the countries of the GoG.

    He said that SALWs had long been identified as both a root cause and enabler of insecurity globally.

    According to him, the threat posed by their availability in the hands of non-state actors and international crime syndicates have left countries grappling with finding solutions to combatting the challenges.

    He said that all 14 reported kidnappings of crew members and 75 per cent of crew members held hostage in 2023 happened in the GoG.

    “Additionally, two crew members were injured, reinforcing the GoG’s reputation as treacherous waters for seafarers.

    “According to the same report, this maritime threat has evolved from the looting and hijacking of oil cargos to the kidnapping of seafarers, bringing the root cause of the problem sharply into focus,’’ he added.

    The Director-General of NCCSALW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo, said that the impact of climate change had become a significant contributor to displacement and instability in various regions, particularly the Gulf of Guinea.

    Kokumo said it was also a significant driver of instability and conflict in vulnerable regions across the world with criminal networks exploiting the situation.

    According to him, this instability has in turn fuelled the demand for arms, contributing to the rise in the proliferation of small arms and light weapons

    He said the 2-Day seminar would provide an invaluable opportunity to examine the complex linkages.

    “We must reflect on how the changing climate exacerbates insecurity, weakens governance and allows the illegal arms trade to thrive.

    “Furthermore, we need to explore how we can respond to these emerging threats more effectively by fostering stronger national and regional frameworks for arms control, environmental resilience and conflict mitigation.

    Read Also: Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea sign Gulf of Guinea Pipeline Agreement

    “I assure you of the Centres commitment and resolve to ensure the menace of SALW is curbed,’’ he said.

    The guest lecturer, Dr Dickson Orji, who is the President of GOLHD Centre, said that bulk of illicit armed in Nigeria were moved through the maritime domain.

    Orji urged the government to pay more attention to the maritime arena in the fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the country.

    He added that the larger percentage of goods coming into the country were through the maritime, adding that more attention be given to the sector to ensure that all ships were properly inspected and certified.

    He recommended continuous advocacy and stakeholder engagements, empowerment of the relevant agencies responsible for maritime security and building synergy between the security agencies in the sector.

    (NAN)

  • Arms proliferation and the security forces

    Arms proliferation and the security forces

    SIR: Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, was reported to have stated during an arms destruction exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) that many of the illicit weapons currently used by terrorists and bandits originally belonged to the federal government. Ribadu’s revelation may not come as a surprise to those familiar with the complexities of the security challenges, but it is both new and alarming to the average Nigerian. 

    For many, the realization that those entrusted with their protection are, in fact, selling weapons to terrorists, insurgents, and bandits is deeply unsettling. This issue demands a coordinated and strategic response. However, Ribadu has since assured that steps and measures have been taken to put an end to this.

    But the big questions remain: Are these measures yielding sustainable results? What motivates or drives a security agent to sell weapons to terrorists and bandits, fully aware that they may become the first target of those very weapons?

    Ribadu had stated: “The worst human being is a policeman or soldier who takes weapons from his own unit and sells them, or hides them for criminals to use against his colleagues.”

    This is true; however, additional measures are needed beyond what the NSA has mentioned to address this issue. These should include improved welfare and salaries for security personnel, enhanced training, and stronger supervision. It’s important to consider that the actions of some security officers may not be solely motivated by money, but by radicalization or frustrations.

    Nigeria must prioritize the use of technology in its fight against insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, as the world has moved beyond relying solely on boots on the ground. Employing technology to address these challenges is crucial, including the implementation of chips or inbuilt devices to track an attached every weapon assigned to the officer responsible for it.

    Despite the few rogue elements within the security forces that recklessly jeopardize their lives and those of their colleagues and families by exchanging their weapons for peanuts, we must commend the majority of Nigeria’s dedicated soldiers, police officers, and other personnel who are actively working to recover illicit arms and eliminate corrupt practices within the security forces.

    On the other hand, sabotage by rogue elements within security forces is not unique to Nigeria; many countries have faced situations where insurgency, terrorism, or banditry were exacerbated by these elements selling arms to militant groups. In Yemen, amidst its civil war, there have been instances of arms diversion by corrupt individuals within the security apparatus. Weapons intended for the national army have reportedly ended up in the hands of Houthi rebels and various militant groups.

    Read Also: Minister charges ECOWAS defence chiefs to stop arms proliferation

    Similarly, during the conflict with ISIS in Iraq, reports emerged of Iraqi security forces losing control of arms depots or selling weapons to militant groups. Somalia has seen similar issues in its battle against al-Shabaab, where government and security officials were accused of selling or diverting weapons to the very militants they were fighting.

    Another notable example is Libya. Following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country descended into chaos, with various factions and militias vying for control. Weapons from government stockpiles, as well as arms supplied by international actors, were sold or transferred to militias and insurgent groups, further escalating the violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), armed groups have long been involved in conflict, with reports indicating that elements within the military and police forces have sold weapons to these groups.

    For any country grappling with the involvement of its security forces in the sale of weapons to insurgents, terrorists, and bandits, factors such as selfishness, corruption, and complicity within these forces play a significant role. Additionally, weak institutions and inadequate oversight have further exacerbated the problem.

    •  Zayyad I. Muhammad, Abuja
  • Bandits got weapons fromcorrupt securitymen, says NSA

    Bandits got weapons fromcorrupt securitymen, says NSA

    • 2,400 illegal arms destroyed
    • ‘Anti-terror war at advanced stage’

    Bandits and terrorists got a sizeable number of their arms and ammunition from securitymen, National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu has said.

    Ribadu, at the destruction of seized/recovered 2,400 illicit small arms and light weapons in Abuja yesterday, expressed worry that most of such arms were sold to criminals by security personnel.

    Also in Abuja, the Defence Ministry announced that the ongoing anti-terror war had moved from normal military operations to the use of drones, and advanced war technique.

    Fifty new fighter jets are to be added to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet between December this year and 2026 to rev up the war against insurgents and other criminal elements in the country, Ribadu reaffirmed.

    At the arms destruction by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms And Light Weapons (NCCSALW), a unit in the Office of the NSA,  Ribadu, assured that the government would do everything possible to keep the country safe and secure.

    He said: “We have to find a way of putting a stop to this. We must if we want to recover our country and live in peace and stability.

    “The worst human being is a policeman or a soldier who will take arms from his own formation and sell it or hire it out for the bad people to come and kill his own colleagues.

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    “We must fight these people but also there are merchants of death and evil from outside the world.

    “The proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to our national security, exacerbating issues such as insurgency, banditry and other violent crimes.

    “We have laws that govern ownership of small arms. If you do not follow it, it is an illegal arm and it is supposed to be destroyed completely.”

    The  NSA said the military and other security agencies would secure the country against the merchants of death by all means possible.

    He said with the present leadership,  the country would overcome all the country’s security challenges within the shortest possible time.

    “We are not going to relent. They think we are jokers. We are not, we know what we are doing. And I can assure you with the leadership we have today in our country, with the set of people in charge, we have hope.

     “Just give us time. It will change. The proliferation of small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to our national security.  We will fight it. We will secure this country,” Ribadu added.

    NCCSALW Director-General Johnson Kokumo said the challenge posed by the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) was one of the major threats to peace and security not only in the country but in  West Africa.

    He said the 2,400 destroyed weapons, comprised unserviceable, decommissioned, and recovered arms.

    Kokumo added: “These weapons were mopped up by the military, police and other security agencies across the country.

    “By permanently removing these arms from circulation, we reduce the risk they pose to our communities and send a clear message that Nigeria will not tolerate the illegal trafficking and possession of small arms and light weapons.’’

    NAF to get 50 new fighter jets

    At his second biannual meeting with branch chiefs and Air Officers Commanding NAF formations in Abuja, the Chief of Air Staff(CAS),  Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said the expected 50 fighter jets would complement the 12 already in NAF’s inventory.

    Abubakar encouraged the officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty as they contribute to the overall mission of the NAF.

    He said: “A few months ago, we celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Nigerian Air Force, which ushered us into a golden era of transformation and evolution.

    “Over the past year, we have successfully inducted 12 aircraft into our inventory, and God willing, we shall take delivery of 50 brand new aircraft between December this year and 2026.

    “This is a remarkable achievement that we have not witnessed in a very long time.

    “Indeed, these are exciting times that demand innovative thinking, resilience, and dedication.’’

      Also yesterday, the Defence Ministry said the ongoing military operations against insurgents in the Northeast and Northwest had reached an advanced stage with the deployment of sophisticated satellite assets. 

    It said: “Right now, we have moved from normal military operations to advanced military operations. We now use drones. We need satellite to do that. Our troops have to identify where our enemies are. As it is now, without satellites, we cannot operate our drones.

    “There will be pollution, or rather, what you call accidents, among the drones in the space. Therefore, we need satellites to do that operation.”

    Permanent Secretary of the ministry   Ibrahim  Kana stated this at  the Stakeholders Engagement organised by the Nigeria Communications Satellite Ltd., NigComSat.

     Kana lauded President Bola Tinubu, the military, and other security agencies for protecting  the country

    He said: “I want to use the opportunity, really, to thank His Excellency, Mr President, for bringing us together and making sure that we all work together and providing all the necessary requirements, particularly launching of more satellites in space.”

     President   Tinubu’s efforts in the fight against insecurity in the North was also commended by the  Arewa Elders Progressive Group yesterday.

    The group noted that Tinubu’s approach to tackling insecurity, particularly his decision to use military force to crush bandits, has shown promising results.

    The commendation was contained in a statement by the group’s Chairman,  Mustafa   Dutsinma.

  • Many illicit weapons in circulation originally belong to government, says Ribadu

    Many illicit weapons in circulation originally belong to government, says Ribadu

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has said that a sizeable number of illicit weapons in circulation originally belong to the federal government.

    He said the weapons got into the hands of non-state actors through bad eggs in the security agencies.

    Read Also: Banditry and Nuhu Ribadu’s claims

    Ribadu said this at. the arms destruction exercise by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Abuja.

    The NSA who rain curses on security personnel who engage in giving weapons for terrorists, bandits and other non-state actors, assuring that the government will everything to secure the country.

    Details shortly….

  • Why banks, others must join anti-terrorism battle, by NSA

    Why banks, others must join anti-terrorism battle, by NSA

    Financial institutions should be in the frontline in the fight against terrorism financing as part of counter-terrorism efforts, National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said yesterday.

    The NSA made the remark at the Third Counter-terrorism and Counter-insurgency Seminar organised by the Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC), in Collaborations with Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in  Abuja.

    He was represented by the National Coordinator, National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, at the event.

    Ribadu said that terrorism was not just spurred by extremist ideology but also by the financial lifeblood that enabled the terrorist groups to carry out their heinous acts.

    According to him, without funding, the ability of terrorist organisations to recruit, train and execute their plans is severely weakened.

    Read Also: Fed Govt to clamp down on banks breaching lending rules

    He said: “It is for this reason that the fight against terrorism financing is as critical as any military or law enforcement operation in Nigeria, like many other nations, faces significant challenges in this area.

    “The complexities of our financial landscape combined with the adaptability of terrorist networks means that our financial institutions are often on the front line of this battle.

    “It is crucial, therefore, that we optimise our efforts to ensure that these institutions are well equipped to detect, prevent and report suspicious financial activities that could be linked to terrorism.

    “Nigeria, as a member of the international governmental Action Group against money laundering in West Africa aligns its anti-money laundering and counter terrorism financing efforts with global breast practices.”

    The NSA said that the supervisory authorities will play critical roles in optimising financial institutions efforts to counter-terrorism financing by establishing the regulatory frameworks and guidelines that financial institutions must follow.

    He also spoke of the need to conduct regular assessments and audits of financial institutions to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations and adopt a risk based approach focusing on institutions more susceptible to exploitation.

    According to him, supervisory authorities have the power to enforce penalties, fines or other sanctions on financial institutions that fail to comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

    He said the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) set up by the ONSA had provided guidelines that we must be adhere to, urging financial institutions to be vigilant and proactive in their compliance efforts.