West African authorities target illicit arms proliferation

Regional and national authorities are intensifying efforts to combat the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons. In Accra, Ghana, the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) is participating in the 2026 West Africa Border Security Week. This sub-regional forum focuses on “Intelligent Border Management: Balancing Security, Trade, and Mobility in a Digital Age,” bringing together security institutions, immigration services, and technology providers from Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia.

The forum aims to strengthen cooperation and intelligence-sharing to prevent the illicit movement of arms across West African borders. Participating technology partners are showcasing solutions in biometrics, digital identity, and data-driven security to enhance border control.

In Nigeria, the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has partnered with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to address insecurity. This collaboration utilizes corps members to advocate for arms-free societies and sensitize communities in regions like Borno and Yobe. The initiative seeks to curb the spread of weapons that fuel banditry, kidnapping, and insurgency.