The Nigeria Police Force has partnered with the United Nations (UN) to strengthen national and regional responses to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.
This came to light during a Thursday meeting between Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police, IGP, and a delegation from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and Nigeria’s National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.
According to a statement signed by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the meeting aims to enhance intelligence sharing, inter-agency coordination and disarmament efforts to address one of Nigeria’s most persistent security challenges.
The delegation, led by Adedeji Ebo, included Anselme Yabouri, Director of UNREC; Grub Nolwenn, a UNREC official; AIG Thomas Nebhon; and Lt. Col. O.N. Okon from the NCCSALW.
Also present at the strategic engagement were members of the Force Management Team, including all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Force Secretary.
The meeting focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-sharing mechanisms to stem the flow of illegal arms within Nigeria’s borders.
The statement emphasised the urgent need for coordinated disarmament efforts and robust tracking systems to neutralise the supply chains that fuel criminality and insecurity across the Country.
It stated that the UN delegation commended the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its proactive role in disrupting illegal arms networks, especially in regions where the proliferation of weapons directly fuels violence, terrorism, and organised crime.
They stressed that a multi-stakeholder approach, combining law enforcement, intelligence and disarmament, remains key to tackling arms proliferation and its devastating consequences on internal security.
Responding, Egbetokun expressed appreciation for the continued support from the international community and the Office of the National Security Adviser.
He reiterated the Force’s unwavering commitment to aggressively pursuing illegal arms dealers and ensuring they face the full weight of the law.
“The flow of illicit weapons remains one of the most serious threats to our national security.
“We have recovered thousands of illegal arms and ammunition across the country and will continue to partner with both domestic and international agencies to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks facilitating arms smuggling”, the IGP stated.
The Police Chief assured the visiting delegation that the Nigeria Police Force, under his leadership, would deepen collaboration with global stakeholders, sustain intelligence-led operations, and expand arms recovery efforts.
He reaffirmed that such partnerships are central to achieving long-term peace and security within Nigeria and across the West African region.
