Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, is a diverse and dynamic country on the Atlantic coast, rich in culture and natural resources.

HALO opened a weapons management program here in 2022.

We also train local law enforcement in safe management of arms and explosives.

Situation in Nigeria

A HALO staff member speaks to the Nigerian police force as they stand by weapons on the ground — Weapons seized by Nigerian police

Nigeria is a key player in regional security and economic development. It was the first African country to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty. It was also one of the first countries to ratify the Economic Community of West African States Convention on small arms and light weapons.

Nigeria continues to face security challenges, including ongoing insurgencies, criminal violence and the growing threat of armed groups. These threats are made worse by the widespread availability of illicit arms. They destabilize the country and foster insecurity.

In recent years, the high levels of weapons and ammunition in circulation have contributed to an increase in violent attacks. Kidnappings, raids and armed robberies have been carried out by terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups. These incidents are particularly severe in the northeastern and northwestern regions. Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa, have caused widespread devastation in this area. They have destroyed vital infrastructure and displaced millions of people.

The presence of explosives poses an ongoing risk and hinders the country's efforts to rebuild and stabilize affected regions. Despite the resilience of its people, Nigeria's ability to achieve long-term peace and stability is undermined by the dangers of illicit weapons.

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HALO's work and impact in Nigeria

HALO has been operating in Nigeria since September 2022. Our focus is on supporting Nigerian law enforcement to safely store arms and explosives. Our efforts are aimed at strengthening weapons and ammunition management throughout the country.

We've enhanced the capacity of Nigerian law enforcement to improve the storage security and reduce risk from explosives. We also assess explosive storehouses to improve infrastructure and capabilities of security personnel.

HALO Nigeria's training programs focus on safety and handling, secure storage, explosive ordnance disposal, and IED safety and awareness. These programs address the underlying drivers of instability, like the appeal of extremist groups in poor and war-torn regions.