Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has transferred 220 recovered small arms and light weapons to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms in a significant step toward curbing illicit arms proliferation in Nigeria.
On Sunday in Jos, OPSH Commander and General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, Maj.-Gen. Folunsho Oyinlola, handed over the weapons. He noted that the arms were confiscated during various operations targeting criminal elements.
“Our troops’ operational successes have led to the recovery of 220 small arms and light weapons from criminals,” Oyinlola declared.
He detailed the haul, which included 84 den guns, 66 locally made revolver rifles, 27 AK-47 rifles, eight locally fabricated AK-47s, one submachine gun, one automatic pistol, 20 locally crafted pistols, four cartridge pistols, two revolver pistols, one pump action gun, and four double-barrel rifles.
Additionally, Oyinlola reported the recovery of 1,567 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 218 rounds of 7.62mm ball, 56 rounds of nine-millimeter ammunition, 24 rounds of 5.56mm, two rounds of 12.7mm, six rounds of 0.44mm, 83 cartridges, and one 7.62mm blank round.
He emphasized that the handover aligns with the mission of the National Centre, established by the Federal Government in 2021 to combat the spread of illegal arms.
“We urge the public to support efforts to eliminate illicit weapons and foster a safer, crime-free society,” Oyinlola added, while commending his troops for their professionalism and urging them to remain steadfast in tackling insecurity.
Retired DIG Johnson Babatunde, Director-General of the National Centre, represented by Deputy Director-General Abdul Eneche, received the weapons and lauded OPSH’s persistent efforts. “OPSH’s consistent actions, including a significant arms handover in 2023, are commendable,” Babatunde said. “The proliferation of small arms fuels terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and banditry. OPSH’s efforts significantly mitigate these threats.”
Babatunde called on other arms-bearing and law enforcement agencies nationwide to follow OPSH’s example in addressing the spread of light weapons, reinforcing the collective push for enhanced national security.
