The Federal Government, through the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, is focusing on investigating the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) as a key route for arms trafficking into Nigeria. Ribadu revealed this information at a seminar on Climate Change and the Changing Dynamics of Arms Proliferation and Insecurity in the Gulf of Guinea. The seminar was organized by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in collaboration with the Global Network for Human Development.
Ribadu highlighted the abundant natural resources and mineral deposits in the GoG, emphasizing its attractiveness to criminal activities. He stressed the need to address the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the region, which has led to crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, oil theft, and piracy.
The seminar aimed to examine the link between climate change, armed violence, and the proliferation of arms in the GoG, with a focus on finding solutions to combat these challenges. It also emphasized the importance of strengthening national and regional frameworks for arms control and conflict mitigation.
The guest lecturer, Dr. Dickson Orji, highlighted the role of the maritime domain in the movement of illicit arms in Nigeria and urged the government to enhance security measures in the maritime sector. He recommended continuous advocacy, stakeholder engagements, and collaboration between security agencies to address the issue effectively.