The article discusses a statement made by DIG Johnson Kokumo, the head of Nigeria's National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW). He denied claims from a viral video that suggested Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, was involved in illegal arms importation. Kokumo clarified that he was present when the Nigerian Customs Service handed over 399 illegal weapons that were seized at the Tin Can Island Port and confirmed that two suspects are in custody while investigations are ongoing. Kokumo emphasized that the video’s claims were false and incited violence against Ribadu and others. He also mentioned that the government is committed to destroying recovered illegal weapons to prevent them from being used by criminals and to comply with international agreements. Recently, over 1,400 illegal weapons were destroyed, bringing the total to more than 19,000 since 2022. He noted that while the government is cracking down on illegal arms, it does not target legitimate local arms manufacturers, as some have traditional uses and skills that can be beneficial. The government aims to support talented local manufacturers for productive purposes rather than allowing the proliferation of sophisticated illegal weapons.
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