Bringing security and stability to Africa's most populous state

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, is a diverse and dynamic country, rich in culture and natural resources. A key player in regional security and economic development, Nigeria was the first African country to sign and ratify the Arms Trade Treaty and one of the first countries to ratify the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Convention on small arms and light weapons.

However, Nigeria continues to face significant 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 destabilise 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, including kidnappings, raids, and armed robbery by terrorist groups, bandits and other criminal groups. These incidents are particularly severe in the northeastern and northwestern regions, where Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State in West Africa, have caused widespread devastation, including the destruction of vital infrastructure and displacement of millions of people.

In addition to armed violence, the presence of explosive ordnance, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and unexploded ordnance, poses an ongoing risk to civilians and hinders the country’s efforts to rebuild and stabilise conflict-affected regions. Despite the resilience of its people, Nigeria’s ability to achieve long-term peace and stability is significantly undermined by the ongoing security crisis and the dangers posed by the proliferation of weapons.

The Halo Trust has been operating in Nigeria since September 2022, focusing on building the capacity of Nigerian law enforcement agencies in the safe and secure storage and management of arms, ammunition, and explosive ordnance.

Our efforts are aimed at strengthening weapons and ammunition management throughout the country, particularly in the face of growing concerns over the diversion of weapons to insurgents and terrorist groups.

HALO Nigeria’s training programmes focus on key areas such as weapons and ammunition safety and handling, safe storage practices, explosive ordnance disposal techniques, and IED safety and awareness. Additionally, HALO is conducting assessments of explosive storehouses and bases throughout the country, providing recommendations for the improvement of both infrastructure and operational capabilities of security personnel.

These programs are designed not only to enhance public safety but also to address the underlying drivers of instability, including the appeal of extremist groups in underdeveloped and conflict-ridden regions.

Since it began work in Nigeria, HALO has enhanced the capacity of various Nigerian law enforcement agencies in improving the safety and security of weapons and ammunition storage and in mitigating the risks posed by explosive ordnance, in line with international standards and best practices.

Through these initiatives, we are helping increase the operational effectiveness of armoury management in Nigeria, reducing the risk of diversion of weapons into the wrong hands as well as unplanned accidental explosions near civilian infrastructure and residential buildings.

This work not only contributes to enhancing public safety but also fosters stability by addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as the flow of illicit weapons.