The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) on Tuesday called for stakeholders’ support in forfeiting and disposing of illicit arms after court judgments.
The Centre made this appeal in Ado-Ekiti during a one-day seminar under the theme: ‘Strengthening Procedural Approaches for the Forfeiture and Safe Disposal of Small Arms and Light Weapons after Court Judgments.’
Speaking at the event, NCCSALW Director General, Johnson Kokumo, said the seminar aimed to engage key stakeholders in ensuring illicit arms are forfeited after prosecution.
He stressed that such weapons should not return to the black market or fall into unsafe hands, as this would fuel further insecurity in society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kokumo, represented by the Centre’s Director of Legal Services, Chioma Onuegbu, highlighted the risks of allowing illicit arms back into circulation.
He explained that if these weapons re-enter society, they would likely be used for criminal activities, reinforcing the need for their complete destruction.
“The goal of this workshop is to curb the spread of small arms and light weapons, especially those that have passed through the criminal justice system.
“From investigation to prosecution and judgment, what happens to those weapons? We aim to ensure exhibits tendered in court do not return to criminals or the public.
“We want prosecutors to request the court, at the point of judgment, to forfeit these exhibits to the federal government, under NCCSALW’s control,” he said.
Delivering a lecture, Ekiti State Director of Public Prosecution, Julius Ajibade, said the illicit proliferation of arms fuels terrorism and other violent crimes.
He stressed that uncontrolled arms circulation had led to increased social violence, posing serious threats to peace, stability, and national development.
“We are opening a new chapter in tackling security challenges, as threats to peace and development remain a major concern,” he stated.
Ajibade described arms proliferation as a global issue linked to terrorism, organised crime, and transnational drug trafficking.
“The global drug trade, mercenary activities, corruption, and rising social violence all threaten peace, stability, and post-conflict reconstruction,” he said.
He added that Nigeria was grappling with a “terrorising gun culture” that had become a security nightmare, making arms control vital in curbing weapons misuse.
Also speaking, NCCSALW Southwest Director, Ben Akinlade, expressed satisfaction with the seminar, commending stakeholders for their commitment to stopping illicit arms circulation.
NAN reports that stakeholders included Ekiti State Governor’s Special Adviser on Security, Brig.-Gen. Ebenezer Ogundana (Rtd.), alongside officials from security and law enforcement agencies
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