The Director-General of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, DIG Johnson Kokumo (retd), has firmly rejected allegations suggesting that the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, was involved in the illegal arms importation case at Tin Can Island Port. This clarification came during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, where Kokumo addressed the misinformation circulating in a viral video.

Kokumo emphasized that he was present at the Tin Can Island Port when the Nigerian Customs Service handed over 399 assorted automatic weapons that had been intercepted. He stated, "The story in the video is not correct and cannot be correct. I was at the Tin Can Island Port with the Comptroller-General. 399 assorted automatic weapons were intercepted by the Nigerian Customs Service at the port. And this cache of arms, illegal weapons, handed over to the centre."

He reassured the public that the seized weapons are currently secured in an armoury, and that two suspects connected to the illegal importation remain in custody as investigations continue. Kokumo noted the importance of identifying both local and international partners involved in such criminal activities.

The allegations in the viral video were described by Kokumo as baseless and dangerous, as they incited violence against the NSA and other officials. He reiterated the government's commitment to combating illegal arms trafficking and ensuring that recovered weapons do not fall into the hands of non-state actors.

In line with international conventions, including those from the United Nations and ECOWAS, the Federal Government has been actively destroying recovered illicit weapons. Kokumo revealed that during the Second Quarter Arms Destruction Exercise conducted on July 30, 2026, a total of 1,419 illicit weapons were destroyed, bringing the total number of weapons destroyed since 2022 to over 19,000. This initiative aims to prevent these weapons from being reused in violent crimes such as terrorism, banditry, and armed robbery.

Moreover, Kokumo disclosed that in June 2026, the Centre received 5,050 illicit, unserviceable, decommissioned, and obsolete automatic weapons from the Nigeria Police Force. He also mentioned that 399 JOJEF automatic guns were handed over to the Centre on August 17, 2026, following their interception by the Nigerian Customs Service.

While addressing concerns regarding local arms manufacturing, Kokumo clarified that the government is not targeting legitimate local producers. He acknowledged the skills of artisanal producers, stating that their talents could be harnessed for national development. He expressed concern over the rise of sophisticated illicit weapons and reiterated the government's focus on criminal manufacturers.

Kokumo concluded by affirming the Centre's commitment to identifying and utilizing the skills of local manufacturers who can contribute positively to national security efforts, while simultaneously cracking down on those involved in the production of illegal arms.