ARMS PROLIFERATION AND THE SECURITY FORCES

During a recent arms destruction exercise organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, revealed a shocking truth: many of the illicit weapons currently wielded by terrorists and bandits originally came from Nigeria.

For those familiar with Nigeria’s security landscape, this revelation might not come as a shock. However, for the average Nigerian, it’s both new and alarming. The idea that the individuals charged with their protection might be involved in selling weapons to terrorists and bandits is deeply unsettling. This situation clearly calls for a coordinated and strategic response, yet Ribadu reassured the public that steps are being taken to end this alarming trend.

That said, pressing questions linger: Are these measures producing sustainable results? What could possibly motivate security personnel to sell weapons to dangerous groups, knowing they could become targets themselves?

Ribadu stated, “The worst human being is a policeman or soldier who takes weapons from his own unit and sells them, or hides them for criminals to use against his colleagues.” This sentiment is indeed true; however, addressing this issue will require more than the measures mentioned by the NSA. There is an urgent need for improved welfare and salaries for security personnel, along with enhanced training and stricter oversight. It’s important to recognize that the motivations behind the actions of some security officers may extend beyond mere financial gain, potentially stemming from radicalization or personal frustrations.

In combating insurgency, terrorism, and banditry, Nigeria must prioritize technological advancements. The global landscape has shifted away from relying solely on boots on the ground; integrating technology is essential. This could involve introducing chips or tracking devices to monitor every weapon assigned to security personnel.

Despite the presence of a few rogue elements within the security forces who endanger themselves and their colleagues through dishonest dealings, we must not overlook the dedication of the majority of Nigeria’s soldiers, police officers, and other personnel working diligently to reclaim illicit arms and root out corruption within the ranks.

It’s worth noting that such issues are not unique to Nigeria. Countries worldwide have struggled with similar problems, where rogue elements within security forces have worsened situations involving insurgency and terrorism. For instance, during Yemen’s civil war, corrupt individuals within the security apparatus diverted arms intended for the national army to Houthi rebels and other militant groups.

The situation was mirrored in Iraq during the conflict with ISIS, where reports indicated that Iraqi security forces lost control of arms depots or sold weapons to militants. Somalia faced similar challenges in its battle against al-Shabaab, with accusations against government officials for selling or diverting arms to the militants they were supposed to combat.

Libya is another notable case; after Muammar Gaddafi’s fall in 2011, the nation slipped into chaos, with various factions acquiring weapons from government stockpiles and international actors, further intensifying the violence. Similarly, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports have suggested that elements of both the military and police have sold weapons to armed groups.

For any country dealing with security forces involved in selling arms to insurgents, terrorists, and bandits, factors like selfishness, corruption, and complicity within these forces significantly contribute to the problem. Additionally, weak institutions and insufficient oversight worsen the situation.