Odita Sunday 
Odita Sunday
Amid rising concerns over the circulation of illicit arms, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, has called for a more coordinated and proactive system to manage recovered weapons after court rulings, warning that lapses in post-judgment processes could undermine national security.
Ojajuni made the call in Abeokuta while participating in a high-level seminar organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, where he described the initiative as both timely and critical to addressing Nigeria’s evolving security threats.
The police chief noted that the unchecked spread of small arms and light weapons among non-state actors continues to drive violent crimes across the country. He stressed that such weapons remain the tools of choice for criminal elements, making it imperative for security agencies to deepen collaboration and sustain dialogue on effective control strategies.
While acknowledging the strides made by the Nigeria Police Force and other security bodies in recovering illegal arms, Ojajuni pointed out a lingering gap in the system the management of seized weapons after legal proceedings.
According to him, a significant number of these arms are left in armouries as exhibits under various agencies, raising concerns about monitoring and accountability.
He therefore advocated the establishment of a centralised and responsive framework that would ensure the immediate retrieval and proper handling of such weapons once court cases are concluded.
Delays in this process, he warned, could create avoidable security risks if not urgently addressed.
The seminar, coordinated by retired Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu, brought together key stakeholders from across the security and justice sectors, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigeria Customs Service, Department of State Services, Nigeria Immigration Service, the military, and the Ministry of Justice.
Participants at the forum examined best practices and explored practical strategies to strengthen arms control mechanisms nationwide.
Ojajuni commended the Centre for convening the seminar and reaffirmed the Ogun State Police Command’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency cooperation, enhancing arms control systems, and safeguarding lives and property.
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