IGP Egbetokun, UN Body Forge Stronger Alliance Against Arms Proliferation

IGP Egbetokun, UN Body Forge Stronger Alliance Against Arms Proliferation

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to intensifying the fight against the proliferation of illicit arms across the country.

On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the IGP received a high-level delegation from the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa (UNREC) and the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Office of the National Security Adviser, at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

The delegation, led by Dr. Adedeji Ebo, included UNREC Director, Mr. Anselme Yabouri; UNREC staff, Miss Grub Nolwenn; AIG Thomas Nebhon; and Lt. Col. O.N. Okon from NCCSALW. Also present were members of the Force Management Team, including all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and the Force Secretary.

Discussions focused on strengthening inter-agency collaboration to curb the flow of illegal small arms and light weapons in Nigeria. The UN delegation commended the Nigeria Police Force for ongoing efforts to recover illicit weapons, particularly in high-risk areas where they fuel insecurity. They stressed the need for coordinated intelligence, effective tracking systems, and robust disarmament programmes to safeguard internal security.

In his remarks, IGP Egbetokun appreciated the support of the international community and the Office of the National Security Adviser, noting that the circulation of illegal arms poses a serious threat to public safety and national stability. He revealed that the Police have recovered thousands of arms and ammunition and vowed to sustain partnerships that target the criminal networks driving arms trafficking.

“We will continue to pursue collaborative strategies and intelligence-sharing frameworks to disrupt illegal arms supply chains and secure lasting peace in Nigeria,” the IGP said.