The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has raised concerns over the increasing movement of illegal firearms from Northern Nigeria to the South-West, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to national security.

According to the IGP, intelligence reports indicate that illicit weapons are being transported from conflict-prone areas, including Zamfara State and Maiduguri in Borno State, through both road networks and inland waterways.

Disu said the illegal trafficking of arms has become a major security challenge, with criminal elements exploiting multiple routes to move weapons across the country.

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He stressed that the Nigeria Police Force is intensifying surveillance and intelligence-driven operations to intercept the movement of illegal firearms and dismantle the networks responsible for the trafficking.

The IGP also called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, state governments and local communities to curb the proliferation of illicit weapons, noting that effective intelligence sharing remains critical to preventing the spread of armed violence.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening border security, disrupting criminal supply chains and ensuring that those involved in the illegal arms trade are brought to justice.