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From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, has warned that the continued proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons is fuelling terrorism, transnational organised crime, prolonged conflicts, and humanitarian crises across Africa, with devastating consequences for lives and security on the continent.
Speaking on behalf of the African Group at the 9th Biennial Meeting of States on the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons, Ibrahim described the situation as one of the gravest security threats confronting Africa.
The meeting reviewed the global implementation of the Programme of Action and the International Tracing Instrument designed to curb the illicit trade and movement of small arms and light weapons.
Addressing delegates, the Nigerian envoy noted that despite the adoption of the Programme of Action 25 years ago and the International Tracing Instrument 21 years ago, illicit weapons continue to drive violence and insecurity around the world. He said the impact has been particularly severe in Africa, where small arms and light weapons have emerged as what he described as the continent’s “true weapons of mass destruction”.
According to the former senator, the widespread availability of illicit weapons has contributed to the growth of terrorist activities, cross-border criminal networks, protracted armed conflicts, and humanitarian emergencies, resulting in the loss of countless lives.
Ibrahim said the African Group views the UN meeting as an opportunity to convert longstanding commitments into concrete and measurable actions capable of reducing the flow of illicit arms. He explained that Africa’s engagement at the meeting is guided by the Common African Position, which articulates the continent’s priorities at national, regional, and international levels.
The envoy reaffirmed Africa’s commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, non-interference, self-defence, and the peaceful settlement of disputes as contained in the United Nations Charter.
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Highlighting the continent’s priorities, Ibrahim stressed the need for the effective implementation of existing commitments, noting that African countries have strengthened legal and regulatory frameworks covering the manufacture, marking, stockpile management, and disposal of small arms and light weapons.
He added that governments across the continent have established national coordinating mechanisms, designated points of contact, and developed action plans aimed at combating the spread of illicit weapons.
The African Group also called on development partners and the international community to continue supporting national efforts while respecting national ownership and ensuring that assistance remains voluntary and responsive to identified needs.
On the challenge of diversion, Ibrahim said preventing weapons from falling into the hands of criminal and terrorist groups remains a central objective for Africa. He advocated stronger physical security and stockpile management systems during peacetime, conflict, and post-conflict periods, alongside enhanced end-user controls, monitoring mechanisms, investigations, and information sharing among states.
The Nigerian diplomat further urged the international community to criminalise the conversion of deactivated, blank-firing, and non-lethal firearms into fully functional weapons.
He reiterated Africa’s longstanding call for a ban on the transfer of small arms and light weapons to unauthorised non-state actors, including criminal networks and terrorist organisations involved in violent activities.
Ibrahim maintained that translating international commitments into practical action remains critical to addressing the growing threat posed by illicit weapons and improving peace and security across Africa.
