IGP Disu Pushes Intelligence-Led Offensive Against Illegal Arms Ahead Of Elections
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Nigeria’s fight against the proliferation of illegal firearms is set to intensify ahead of future elections, with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, unveiling plans for a more aggressive nationwide crackdown backed by intelligence sharing and public participation.
Speaking on Thursday while receiving the Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), DIG Johnson Kokumo (Rtd), and his management team at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, the IGP said the Nigeria Police Force would strengthen operations to recover illicit weapons from unauthorised persons.
Disu stressed that intelligence remains the most effective weapon against arms trafficking, urging seamless collaboration among security agencies to intercept illegal firearms before they reach criminal networks.
He also proposed a joint nationwide campaign with the Centre to encourage the voluntary surrender of illegal weapons.
Warning that illicit firearms continue to enter Nigeria through porous borders, waterways and illegal local manufacturers, the police chief called for stricter armoury management, regular audits and stronger accountability to prevent the diversion of government weapons.
Earlier, DIG Kokumo appealed for deeper collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, development partners and communities, noting that tackling the spread of small arms requires a coordinated national response rather than isolated efforts.
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