The Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in combatting crime in recent operations. In their latest crackdown, operatives arrested 5,936 suspects for various offences, seizing 360 prohibited firearms and 5,953 rounds of live ammunition. This drive, spearheaded by Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, aims to reduce violence across the country through intelligence-driven policing.
The seizures have been concentrated in areas like the North-West, North-East, and Niger Delta, targeting armed robbery groups, kidnappers, cult members, and arms dealers. Deputy Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Adejobi highlighted these efforts in a press briefing, underlining the IGP’s directive to protect lives and property through strategic intelligence.
Despite these efforts, Nigeria remains a significant player in the illegal arms trade, holding about 40 percent of West Africa’s over 500 million illicit small arms and light weapons, according to the Chief of Defence Staff. The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has destroyed more than 13,000 firearms in the last four years, yet the problem persists. A Punch newspaper analysis from September 2025 noted that while thousands of criminals are arrested and hundreds of firearms are recovered, the flow of illegal weapons continues unabated. This reveals the deeply entrenched nature of the problem, which has evolved over decades.
The issue of small arms proliferation in Nigeria has its roots in decades of instability. The trajectory of arms distribution in Nigeria can be traced back to the aftermath of the Nigerian Civil War, continuing through periods of political unrest, and escalating with the rise of terrorism and organized crime. According to a 2025 study published on ResearchGate, weak border controls and ineffective governance have exacerbated the illicit flow of arms, creating a long-standing security crisis.
The Small Arms Survey’s 2005 report and its subsequent updates have consistently highlighted the direct connection between arms proliferation and violence in Nigeria. Data from the National Centre for the Study of Armed Conflicts indicates that over 85 percent of violent incidents involving firearms in the second quarter of 2025 were linked to armed robbery and murder. These statistics emphasize the urgent need for stronger controls and coordinated efforts to curb the spread of small arms in the region.
In Abuja, residents shared their perspectives on the reasons behind the easy availability of illegal arms. Goodness Effiong, a local trader, believes politicians are partly to blame. “These guys get the guns from politicians. Imagine giving them the guns and not collecting them back; they will end up using it for their own private use,” she said. Effiong also pointed to youth unemployment as a key factor. “Going to school, graduating after many years without a job, they will want to use guns for their selfish interests.” She sees job creation as the solution. “I believe the only way to stop this is to provide job employment for our youth.”
Youth unemployment is a growing concern in Nigeria. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate at 6.5% in 2024, an increase from 5.4% the previous year. The 2025 State of the Nigerian Youth Report highlights a more alarming figure, with over 80 million young people without work. This massive employment gap has driven many youth into criminal activities, especially with easy access to arms. The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) points out that youth unemployment rates often exceed the national average, with underemployment reaching 42.5% in certain regions.
Iseac Agugu, a supervisor at ICS Security and Gas Services, described the issue as long-standing. “This is not something new; it has been an issue in Nigeria for decades,” he said. Agugu blamed the porous borders for the widespread distribution of weapons. “The recovery of arms from different zones of Nigeria is due to the lack of effective border controls,” he stated. He added, “If we cannot protect our borders, insecurity will persist.” He called for unity among politicians and officials to address the problem.
Agugu’s concerns are validated by recent research. Nigeria is home to approximately 10,000 unmonitored routes, which facilitate cross-border movement and smuggling of weapons. According to a 2025 Springer study on small arms trafficking, these unarmed routes have allowed the influx of weapons from Libya’s stockpiles, ongoing conflicts in the Sahel, and black markets in Europe and Asia.
A 2024 paper published on ResearchGate emphasizes the Benin-Nigeria border as a critical point for the smuggling of arms, fueling terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria, particularly Boko Haram’s activities. The situation is part of a larger regional issue, with significant security implications for both West and Central Africa. A 2013 report from the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies, supported by 2024 Interpol data, underscores the role of these cross-border pathways in exacerbating organized crime and terrorism. The smuggling of weapons through these routes continues to destabilize Nigeria and its neighbors.
In Abuja, resident Ability pointed out that insecurity is the main reason behind the proliferation of arms. “The reason these people have arms is because of insecurity in our country,” he said. His suggestion was straightforward: “The government should recruit more security personnel to improve the situation.”
In June 2025, the federal government approved the recruitment of 30,000 new police officers to address the growing security challenges. However, experts argue that increasing the number of officers is only part of the solution. A 2025 report from BusinessDay Nigeria emphasized that a broader, more strategic approach is needed, including long-term reforms that go beyond manpower expansion and crackdowns.
While increasing security personnel is necessary, the issue of arms trafficking requires a multifaceted solution. A 2025 analysis by Joshua Emordi, a security expert, reveals that gunrunning is driven by corrupt insiders within the military, law enforcement, and criminal syndicates. Local needs such as those of Boko Haram, bandits, and oil thieves fuel the demand for small arms. Corruption worsens the problem, with bad officials tipping off smugglers, while conflict zones hide illegal deals.
To tackle this crisis, experts like Emordi advocate for the use of technology, such as drones and AI surveillance, to monitor and secure borders. “We need border seals with drones and AI to track and intercept arms smuggling,” he said. Tech expert Abisola Olatunde also supports the creation of a central gun registry, complete with fingerprint scans and import marks. “Incorporate AI into community policing and incentivize whistleblowers with rewards and protection,” she suggested.
The police and the United Nations are already working together to strengthen intelligence-sharing and global cooperation to track and dismantle arms networks. IGP Egbetokun praised the recent operations as proof of the success of intelligence-led policing and pledged to continue these efforts in collaboration with international partners.
The road to a secure Nigeria is long and fraught with challenges, but the ongoing operations and collaborative efforts are important steps in the right direction. The government’s commitment to strengthening security forces, curbing arms trafficking, and engaging in international cooperation is a positive development. However, tackling the root causes such as youth unemployment, corruption, and porous borders remains essential.
