…as Police Intensify Efforts to Mop Up Illicit Weapons Nationwide
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, on Thursday hosted a high-level delegation from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Office of the National Security Adviser, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a press release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the delegation, led by Dr Adedeji Ebo, included Mr Anselme Yabouri, Director of UNREC; Miss Grub Nolwenn of UNREC; AIG Thomas Nebhon; and Lt Col O.N. Okon of the NCCSALW. The Force Management Team, including all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Force Secretary, was also in attendance.
The visit was part of ongoing strategic engagements aimed at deepening inter-agency and international collaboration in the fight against the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The discussions focused on intelligence sharing, tracking mechanisms, and disarmament strategies designed to tackle the illicit arms trade and improve national security.Â
The UN delegation commended the Nigeria Police Force for its proactive efforts in curbing arms proliferation, especially in volatile regions where illegal firearms exacerbate insecurity. They stressed the importance of sustained collaboration to dismantle networks responsible for arms smuggling and trafficking.
In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the support from the United Nations and the Office of the National Security Adviser, reaffirming the Police Force’s unwavering commitment to reducing the circulation of illicit arms. He described arms trafficking as a major threat to public safety and national stability, noting that the police have already recovered thousands of illegal firearms and ammunition across the country.
The IGP emphasised that under his leadership, the Nigeria Police Force will continue to prioritise intelligence-led operations and robust partnerships with local and international stakeholders to combat the illegal arms trade. He assured that the Force remains resolute in its mission to secure the nation and bring perpetrators of arms trafficking to justice.
