The Special Task Force Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) has handed over arms and ammunition recovered from criminals during its operations to the National Centre For The Control of Small Arms And Light Weapons (NCCSALW).

Handing over the weapons on Sunday, 17 August 2025, the General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander OPSH, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, said the recovery was necessary as part of the Federal Government of Nigeria’s determination to stop the senseless bloodshed and insecurity caused by the proliferation of Small Arms & Light Weapons (SALW) in circulation within our communities.

In a statement by the Media Information Officer of OPSH, Major Samson Zhakom, by 9:30 pm on Sunday, the Commander urged members of the public to support the Federal Government in its efforts to eradicate illicit arms in circulation and, by extension, promote an illicit arm-free society.

General Oyinlola added that OPSH has recorded tremendous successes in stemming the tide of criminal attacks on communities and individuals through kinetic and non-kinetic means.

A total of 220 small arms and light weapons were recovered from criminal elements from the year 2024 to date, while a total of 1874 rounds of ammunition and 83 cartridges were also recovered during the period under review.

Reacting on behalf of the Director-General, National Centre For The Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu, a Deputy Director-General at NCCSALW, thanked the Commander OPSH for the significant strides made against armed criminals and the efforts deployed towards addressing the proliferation of illegal arms within the Joint Operations Area.

The Director-General further implored the public to support the Federal Government’s plan for the complete eradication of illegal arms from society.