The Small Arms Division participated in a public weapons destruction exercise organised by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), Nigeria, as part of ongoing national and regional efforts to curb the illicit proliferation, diversion and misuse of small arms and light weapons.

The exercise involved the destruction of weapons seized and recovered by Nigerian law enforcement and security agencies. 

The public destruction demonstrated Nigeria's commitment to ensuring that illicit, obsolete and unauthorised weapons removed from circulation are permanently disposed of and prevented from being diverted back into illicit markets or criminal use.

The participation of the ECOWAS Small Arms Division underscored the Commission's continued support to Member States in strengthening national capacities for effective weapons and ammunition management and in implementing the ECOWAS Convention on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Beyond the physical destruction of the weapons, the exercise highlighted the importance of effective weapons lifecycle management, including accountable disposal of seized, recovered, surplus and obsolete weapons. Such measures are essential to reducing the risks of diversion, illicit trafficking, and recirculation of weapons into the hands of criminal groups and other unauthorized actors.

The ECOWAS Commission, through its Small Arms Division, will continue to work closely with National Commissions and national coordinating institutions responsible for small arms control in Member States to strengthen the implementation of the ECOWAS Convention and promote responsible, transparent and accountable management of weapons and ammunition.