The Federal Government has raised concerns over the misuse and diversion of officially issued weapons, warning security agencies to strengthen control measures to prevent arms from falling into the wrong hands.
The warning was issued by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSLAW) during the launch of a training programme on weapons security in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, the National Coordinator of NCCSLAW, retired DIG Johnson Kokumo said poor weapons management continues to pose serious risks to national security.
He noted that weaknesses in armoury control systems have created opportunities for arms to leak into illegal circulation.
According to Kokumo, evidence suggests that many illicit weapons currently in use may have originally come from official stockpiles.
“A large number of illegal arms in circulation today can be traced back to government-controlled inventories at some point,” he said.
He stressed that all weapons under government custody must be properly documented, secured, and regularly monitored to prevent diversion.
The NCCSLAW boss warned that any loss of weapons from official sources could strengthen criminal networks and insurgent groups, complicating security operations across Nigeria.
He identified poor record-keeping, weak supervision, and inadequate storage facilities as major gaps that must be urgently addressed.
Kokumo added that the agency is working with both local and international partners to improve accountability systems and enhance compliance among security institutions.
“Our objective is to ensure transparency and strict control over all arms held by government agencies,” he stated.
He described proper weapons management as a critical component of Nigeria’s overall security framework.
Also speaking, Jacob Nyaga, Operations Manager at The HALO Trust, said the training programme was designed to equip personnel with modern skills in weapons handling and stockpile management.
Nyaga noted that the initiative, supported by the Kingdom of the Netherlands, would be conducted in three phases.
The first phase will focus on practical training for armoury personnel, covering documentation, safe handling, and accountability of weapons and ammunition.
The second phase will target senior officers, addressing leadership responsibilities in stockpile management and risk assessment.
The final phase will adopt a train-the-trainer model, enabling participants to pass on knowledge and sustain capacity within their respective agencies.
Nyaga explained that the programme aims to strengthen existing systems rather than address deficiencies, adding that it would improve long-term efficiency and independence in arms management.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to curb the spread of **illegal arms in Nigeria** and reinforce national security systems.
