Written by Zayad I. Muhammad
National Security Advisor Nuhu Ribadu said during an arms destruction exercise organized by the National Center for Small Arms Control (NCCSALW) that many of the illegal weapons currently being used by terrorists and bandits were originally owned by the federal government. He said it was his property. Nigeria.
Mr. Ribadu’s revelations may not come as a surprise to those familiar with the complexity of Nigeria’s security challenges, but they are new and alarming to the average Nigerian.
For many people, the realization that the people they are tasked with protecting are actually selling weapons to terrorists, insurgents, and bandits is deeply disturbing. This issue requires a coordinated strategic response. However, Ribadu assured that steps and measures have been taken to put an end to this.
But big questions remain. Are these measures having sustainable results?Security authorities selling weapons to terrorists and bandits, knowing full well that they may become the first target of the weapons. What is the motive or motive?
“The worst people are the police officers and soldiers who take weapons from their units and sell them or hide them for criminals to use against their colleagues,” Nuhu Ribadu said. This is true; however, additional measures beyond those mentioned by the NSA are required to address this issue. These should include improved benefits and pay for security guards, increased training, and increased supervision. It is important to consider that the actions of some security guards are not solely motivated by money, but may be driven by radicalization and frustration.
As the world moves beyond relying solely on boots on the ground, Nigeria must prioritize the use of technology in the fight against insurgency, terrorism and banditry. Deploying technology to address these challenges is critical, including the implementation of chips and embedded devices to track all weapons assigned to a responsible party.
Despite a small number of rogue elements within the security forces who trade weapons for peanuts and recklessly endanger their lives, their colleagues and their families, we remain committed to Nigeria’s dedicated soldiers. , police officers and other personnel must be commended for their active efforts in the reconstruction effort. Eliminate illegal weapons and eliminate corruption within the security forces.
However, sabotage by rogue elements within the security forces is not limited to Nigeria. Many countries have faced situations where insurgency, terrorism and banditry are exacerbated by these elements selling weapons to armed groups. Amid the civil war in Yemen, there have been cases of arms diversion by corrupt individuals within the security apparatus. Weapons intended for the national army ended up in the hands of the Houthi rebels and various armed groups.
Similarly, during the conflict with ISIS in Iraq, reports surfaced that Iraqi security forces lost control of weapons arsenals or sold weapons to insurgents. Similar problems have arisen in Somalia’s fight against al-Shabaab, where government and security officials have been accused of selling or diverting weapons to the fighting militants.
Another notable example is Libya. After the fall of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country fell into chaos, with various factions and militias vying for control. Government weapons stockpiles and weapons supplied by international actors were sold or transferred to militias and rebel groups, further escalating the violence. Armed groups have been involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) for years, and there are reports that some members of the military and police are selling weapons to armed groups.
For countries grappling with the involvement of security forces in arms sales to insurgents, terrorists, and bandits, factors such as self-interest, corruption, and collusion within these forces play an important role. Furthermore, weak institutions and inadequate oversight exacerbate the problem.
Zaiyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja. He can be reached via (email protected).
The views expressed by contributors are solely their own and not those of TheCable.
