By Precious Owolabi, Ado-Ekiti

Experts push for stricter control measure

The Director of Public Prosecution in Ekiti State, Prince Julius Ajibare, has highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illicit arms and light weapons across Africa.

Ajibare made this disclosure during a one-day seminar themed, “Strengthening Procedural Approaches for the Forfeiture and Safe Disposal of Small Arms and Light Weapons After Court Judgment” ,held at Lady Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.

According to him, before the enactment of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Act (2024), the Nigerian government had already taken significant steps to regulate arms.

“In 2021, the Presidential Committee for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (PRESTO) was established to coordinate national efforts.The 2024 Act further solidified Nigeria’s commitment to arms control by establishing the National Centre for Small Arms Control, responsible for implementing UN, AU, and ECOWAS protocols.

He added that the unchecked spread of small arms and light weapons has fuelled violence and insecurity in Nigeria, contributing to terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and armed robbery.

“Nigeria’s extensive borders with countries such as Cameroon, Niger, Ghana, and Benin facilitate the smuggling of weapons. Armed groups, including Boko Haram and other insurgents, exploit instability to acquire arms, while gaps in law enforcement and official complicity have enabled the illegal arms trade to thrive.

“Despite existing laws, Nigeria faces challenges in effectively controlling illegal arms. Security experts emphasise the need for stricter border controls, increased surveillance, and better enforcement of firearms regulations.

Ajibare disclosed that government also aims to improve weapons management and disposal practices to prevent confiscated arms from re-entering illegal markets.

In his welcome remarks, Acting Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice L.A. Ogunmoye, represented by Hon. Justice Adeniyi Familoni, emphasised the urgent need for stricter control and management of small arms and light weapons to ensure national security.

Justice Familoni stressed that while courts play a crucial role in adjudicating cases involving illegal arms, the proper handling and secure management of forfeited weapons remain critical to preventing their re-entry into the illicit market.

Declaring the seminar open, Justice Familoni reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security framework and called for proactive measures to curb the proliferation of small arms.

The Zonal Director of the South West Zone, Sola Akinlade, addressed the gathering, acknowledging the presence of judges, members of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) traditional rulers, and representatives of religious organisations.

 He assured that all recovered arms will be promptly destroyed, either melted down or set ablaze to prevent them from re-entering circulation.

The Special Adviser on Security to the Governor of Ekiti State, Brigadier Ebenezer Ogundana, reiterated the state’s commitment to tackling the proliferation of small arms and light weapons.

Brig. Ogundana noted that the centre has been collaborating with security agencies to curb the spread of illicit arms.

He also highlighted the economic and political consequences of small arms proliferation, stressing that insecurity discourages investment.