Shehu Sani wants security forces probed over alleged arms supply to terrorists

Civil rights activist and former senator for Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has called on the Federal Government to investigate the military and police over allegations of supplying arms to terrorists and bandits.

Sani’s statement follows recent claims by National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who said many weapons used by bandits are sourced from security agents.

In a tweet on Friday, Sani said, “The revelations reportedly made by the NSA Ribadu that most of the arms used by bandits and terrorists in Nigeria are same, and sourced from some collaborating security agents is a strong evidence that our security challenges are reinforced and sustained by rogue elements within our security and defence services.”

Ribadu had earlier condemned military and police personnel for allegedly selling weapons from their units to criminals during the destruction of illegal arms by the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) in Abuja.

“The worst human being is a policeman or soldier who takes arms from his formation and gives them to bad people to kill his colleagues,” Ribadu said, calling for urgent reforms.

Sani echoed the call for action, urging a complete purge of the security services: “Fumigation and deworming of the police and army is needed,” he said.

Ribadu stressed that many illicit weapons in circulation were originally government-owned but diverted by corrupt officials. He described the destruction of unserviceable and recovered arms as part of efforts to combat the proliferation of illegal weapons.

“The spread of illicit small arms and light weapons remains a major threat to national security, fueling insurgency, banditry, and violent crimes,” Ribadu said, noting the role of rogue security elements and foreign arms traffickers in the crisis.

Sani’s call aligns with Ribadu’s broader message on tackling corruption within security agencies, which both men see as critical to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.

Ribadu further noted, “We have laws governing small arms ownership. Any weapon outside those laws is illegal and must be destroyed.”