Adedokun Waliyu 
National Security Adviser (NSA), Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) has said that the proliferation of Small and Light Weapons (SALW) constitutes a huge threat to Nigeria’s security.
The NSA supervised the symbolic destruction of over 3,000 illicit small and light weapons (SALW), ammunition and associated materials in Kaduna yesterday.
He blamed the proliferation of weapons in Africa on what he called failure of the global community.
The destruction was carried out by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) at the Nigerian Army Depot, Rigachikun Kaduna.
The destruction exercise marked the beginning of the destruction process expected to last for a few days in line with international best practices.
Represented by the Director of Policy and Strategy, Office of NSA, Aminu Lawal, Monguno said, “It has become a major source of vulnerability in our society and stands out as a key driver of violent conflict, crime and terrorism within and beyond our borders.
“The failure of the global community to control the availability of illicit SALW, I dare say, has continued to undermine global peace and significantly hinder development, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.
“We recognise the complexity of the challenge of controlling the proliferation of SALW in Nigeria and the requirement for concerted action between the government, international community and all well-meaning Civil Society Organisation.
“Nonetheless, we are resolved to galvanise our strengths and unity as a nation to confront this monstrous challenge and I am optimistic that we shall overcome it,” he said.
He described the establishment of the NCCSALW in 2021 by President Muhammadu Buhari as a historic step towards addressing the problem of small arms proliferation through an institutional platform that would structurally address all underlying contributors.
