The sale of arms and ammunition by Nigerian security personnel to criminals is an alarming indictment of the country’s security apparatus.
Development Diaries reports that the National Security Advisor (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, during the destruction of arms by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms And Light Weapons, stated that some policemen and soldiers stole and sold arms and ammunition from their formation to criminal elements.
This situation reveals a critical breakdown in trust and discipline within the forces tasked with protecting citizens.
A proper response to these findings must begin with an immediate overhaul of internal monitoring and accountability mechanisms in the security sector.
Moreover, there is a need to draw attention to the root causes that lead security personnel to engage in such condemnable acts.
Issues like corruption, inadequate remuneration, and low morale among the ranks are issues that need to be addressed by those at the helm of security affairs.
Also, the leadership of these forces is meant to be held accountable for any laxity in enforcing strict adherence to protocols on weapon security.
Security personnel need to be motivated to act ethically, with stronger disciplinary actions for those who abuse their positions and a reward system for whistleblowers who expose such illicit practices.
A renewed focus on professionalism in the security forces is essential to restoring trust in their ability to maintain national peace and stability.
Given the gravity of these revelations, citizens need to demand more transparency and accountability from the government.
Citizens must pressure the government to set up independent investigations into arms leakage from military and police formations.
The public has the right to expect that the security apparatus is working in their interest, not aiding criminals who further destabilise communities.
In light of these findings, Development Diaries calls on the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to adopt stronger vetting processes for personnel, establish real-time surveillance on armories, and prosecute offenders swiftly to serve as a deterrent.
Photo source: Nuhu Ribadu
