This special edition of the weekly update spotlights illegal arms production, procurement and trafficking in the Niger Delta with a focus on the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) in the region. According to data (see map above), more than 250 incidents of illegal arms proliferation were reported in the Niger Delta between January 2020 and June 2024. Recent data indicate an increase in the proliferation of illicit arms in the region. In March 2024, for instance, a 24-year-old man was reportedly arrested by the police for illegal possession of arms and ammunition in Ekpoma, Edo State. A Beretta pistol with 13 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the suspect. Separately, in March, the Nigerian Army reportedly uncovered an illegal gun manufacturing factory in Onicha Olona community, Aniocha North LGA, Delta State. Recently, on June 21, 2024, a 40-footer container loaded with 844 units of assorted rifles and 112,500 pieces of live ammunition were reportedly intercepted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at the Onne Port in Rivers State. The container allegedly originated from Turkey.

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