A report by SBM Intelligence has revealed that gunmen stole 282 rifles from Nigerian security agencies in 94 separate incidents between 2021 and mid-2026, highlighting growing concerns over the security of government-owned weapons.

According to the report, the Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of losses, with 201 rifles stolen, representing more than 71 per cent of the total. The military lost 45 rifles, while other security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, and vigilante groups, accounted for the remaining losses.

The report identified unknown gunmen as being responsible for the majority of the stolen weapons, accounting for 168 rifles.

Bandits were linked to the theft of 58 rifles, while fighters affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were responsible for 41 rifles.

SBM Intelligence also disclosed that Delta and Abia states accounted for approximately 42 per cent of all reported rifle thefts during the period under review.

It added that the rate of such incidents has increased in 2026, underscoring the worsening security situation in parts of the country.

Despite the losses, the report noted that Nigerian security agencies recovered 1,442 rifles within the same period.

According to SBM Intelligence, the figure indicates that the proliferation of illegal arms in Nigeria extends beyond weapons stolen from security personnel.

The report called attention to the need for improved security measures to protect armouries, safeguard personnel, and prevent government weapons from falling into the hands of criminal groups, warning that such losses could further fuel insecurity across the country. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.