Nigerian police have detained Adejare Adegbenro, the Director-General of the National Commission against the Proliferation of Arms, Light Weapons, and Pipeline Vandalism (NATCOM), on Friday night in Abuja. Sources close to the investigation have revealed that Adegbenro’s arrest is the result of an extensive probe into alleged fraudulent activities, impersonation of government officials, and gun-running operations.
The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) of the Nigeria Police Force conducted the arrest, following a detailed investigation that uncovered what officials described as a “sophisticated scam operation.” According to these sources, Adegbenro and his associates have been exploiting unsuspecting individuals by offering them fake employment opportunities with NATCOM, the supposed government agency overseeing arms and light weapons control.
Further investigations reveal that NATCOM had been selling counterfeit appointment letters and extorting money from victims, who had been promised lucrative positions within the organisation. Many victims reportedly lost significant sums of money, and some even left their current jobs to join the fake agency.
Authorities suspect Adegbenro’s involvement in gun-running, with evidence suggesting he was part of a wider network responsible for the illegal distribution of firearms. His arrest brings into question how he was able to operate without facing consequences for such an extended period.
The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW), the recognised government agency responsible for arms control in Nigeria, issued a statement on Saturday urging the public to remain cautious and verify the legitimacy of any organisations claiming to be involved in arms control. The NCCSALW warned that groups like NATCOM pose a significant threat to national security.
The NCCSALW has also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activity or organisations claiming to represent arms control efforts to the relevant authorities.