Maiduguri: A chilling revelation has emerged from the years of the North‑East conflict. Prof. Ibrahim Umara, a political scientist at the University of Maiduguri, has disclosed that 90 per cent of the weapons wielded by terrorists during the 2011–2014 insurgency was stolen directly from Nigeria’s military and police stockpiles.

His account underscores how state‑issued arms, seized in coordinated attacks on frontline security personnel, became the backbone of insurgent firepower.

Speaking at a one‑day workshop on “Forfeiture Handling of Small Arms and Light Weapons by Courts after Judgment,” organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in collaboration with the European Union and UNDP, Umara explained that most of the arms were seized during coordinated attacks on frontline security personnel.

He noted that while the insurgents initially gained strength through these stolen weapons in the early years of the insurgency, a number were later recovered by the Borno State government under its Boko Haram repentance programme, which began after 2014 and required militants to surrender arms as proof of genuine repentance.

Maj.-Gen. A. Adamu (rtd), North‑East Zonal Coordinator of NCCSALW, highlighted the importance of judicial and law enforcement roles in translating arms forfeiture judgments into lasting security.

Adamu urged participants to share experiences and contribute practical insights to strengthen procedures, close gaps, and enhance the implementation of arms disposal after judicial rulings.

Wing Cdr. Ufuoma Ekuerhare, Director of Legal Services at NCCSALW, presented an overview of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024, emphasising that the law places responsibility on every Nigerian to discourage violence and report illicit arms. She called on community leaders, traditional rulers, and religious institutions to preach peace and mobilise youth against the allure of firearms.

ASP Cyrus Gadzama, Borno Police Command Legal Officer, warned that arms-forfeiture reforms require stronger laws, reduced corruption, and greater institutional support.

The revelations highlight that insurgency in the North-East was greatly fueled by state-owned weapons, intensifying violence. The workshop marks an urgent call for judicial action, community vigilance, and institutional reform to break this dangerous cycle.