The House of Representatives and the Nigerian Armed Forces have pledged to collaborate in tackling the growing threat of small arms and light weapons proliferation in the country.
This commitment was made during an interactive session between the House Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons and the military high command at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.
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Chairman of the committee, Hon. Aliyu Bappa Misau (Bauchi), emphasized the urgency of the issue, stating that the proliferation of small arms is not only a national security challenge but also a humanitarian crisis affecting citizens’ daily lives.
“The escalation of these weapons contributes to community distrust, violence, and instability. Addressing this challenge is a collective responsibility that requires urgency and resolve from both lawmakers and the military,” Bappa-Misau said.
He stressed the need for a strong partnership between the legislature and the armed forces to develop comprehensive strategies, including capacity-building programs for military personnel, legislative support for stronger policies, and public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the dangers of illegal arms.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, represented by Air Vice Marshal Sayo Olatunde, highlighted Nigeria’s porous borders as a major factor fueling arms proliferation.
“We need to address the root of our security problems. One key solution is fencing our borders, as instability in neighboring countries contributes to arms smuggling and insecurity,” Olatunde stated.
The collaboration between the House and the military marks a significant step toward curbing the spread of small arms, strengthening national security, and fostering peace across the country.
