Nigeria’s importation of arms and ammunition rose by 104.31 per cent in the first half of 2026, reaching N55.06 billion compared with N26.95 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
Latest foreign trade data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for the second quarter of 2026 showed that the country imported more than N55 billion worth of arms and ammunition within six months.
The development has raised concerns over weapons proliferation, particularly with the 2027 general elections less than a year away.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the Presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are slated for February 6.
The surge in arms imports also follows reports that the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted about 603 firearms entering the country between January and August 2026.
The seized weapons were reportedly handed over to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Security analysts and civil society organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about the availability of firearms and its potential impact on the safety and credibility of elections in Nigeria.
A recent assessment by the CLEEN Foundation of security operations during the 2026 Osun State governorship election highlighted some of the challenges that could arise during the 2027 polls.
The foundation deployed trained observers to monitor the conduct of security officials at the close of voting in Osun State.
It found that security presence was sustained in the “large majority” of polling units monitored, with observers rating the number of officers present as adequate.
However, officers were reported to have left their duty posts for some period in six per cent of the locations monitored, while two per cent of polling stations were left completely unattended by security personnel.
The CLEEN Foundation described continuous security presence through the close of voting as critical, noting that “opportunistic interference is most likely” during the final hours of voting and immediately afterwards, when queues are cleared and ballot boxes prepared for transportation.
The assessment also found that security officers were visibly armed with firearms in 37 per cent of the locations monitored, a figure the foundation said was broadly consistent with standard deployment protocols.
Security officials reportedly used force in two per cent of the locations, while threats were recorded in 12 per cent of the polling units monitored.
On the security of ballot boxes after voting, the foundation said security officials provided cover for the transportation of ballot boxes in 86 per cent of the polling units monitored. The remaining 14 per cent could not be independently confirmed.
A separate review of election-day media reports by the foundation identified six locations where alleged violence was reported, including gunfire near a traditional ruler’s palace and disruption by suspected thugs at a polling unit.
However, the foundation noted that most of the reports originated from unconfirmed allegations by political parties rather than independently verified incidents.
In its recommendations, the CLEEN Foundation urged security agencies to “sustain, rather than relax, officer presence and vigilance” throughout the collation and transmission of election results.
It warned that risks to voters, party agents and observers have historically increased after polling ends.
The foundation also called on the Federal Government to fast-track legislation establishing a dedicated judicial process for prosecuting electoral offenders.
It said the existing enforcement gap was contributing to a “climate of impunity” that weakens deterrence against electoral malpractice.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the increase in arms imports and the continued concerns over electoral violence have placed renewed focus on the need for stronger security measures and effective enforcement of laws governing the possession and movement of firearms.
