Nigeria’s importation of arms and ammunition surged by 104.31 percent in the first half of 2026, reaching a total value of N55.06 billion, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Foreign Trade Statistics for the second quarter of the year.
The latest figure represents an increase of N28.11 billion over the N26.95 billion recorded for the same period in 2025, highlighting a sharp rise in the flow of weapons and ammunition into the country.
The growth in imports has amplified concerns among security officials, especially after the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) recently intercepted consignments of pump‑action rifles. The timing is notable, coming less than a year before the scheduled 2027 general elections, a period traditionally associated with heightened demand for firearms.
Prof. Dapo Thomas, a professor at Lagos State University, warned that “insecurity, political activities and the growing demand for weapons could contribute to the increase in gun‑running.” He added that gun‑running has become a business for some, and while elections often spur demand, broader security challenges also drive the illicit trade. Thomas urged government agencies, customs, and police to strengthen surveillance and monitoring of incoming cargo.
Lucky Amiwero, national president of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, praised the NCS for its recent interceptions, noting that “detecting concealed prohibited items in containers is not an easy task.” He called for stronger cargo inspection, enhanced intelligence‑sharing, and greater cooperation with foreign partners to identify suspicious shipments before they reach Nigerian ports.
Ahmed Yar’Adua, secretary‑general of the Importers Association of Nigeria, said the association will meet with the NCS to discuss the interceptions and broader concerns about arms movement through ports. He indicated that the dialogue aims to bring together importers, customs officials, and other stakeholders to examine the circumstances of prohibited consignments and consider preventive measures.
The sharp rise in arms imports places renewed focus on the channels through which weapons enter Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, and on the capacity of relevant agencies to detect and prevent illicit trafficking.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
