NAF to Retrieve Service Weapons From Retired Personnel
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced a structured process to retrieve service-issued weapons from retired and retiring personnel as part of efforts to strengthen arms control, enhance public safety and improve accountability within the service.
The initiative was disclosed by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, during an engagement with NAF veterans in Abuja. He explained that all service weapons remain the property of the Federal Government and must be returned upon retirement in line with existing military regulations and the Firearms Act. According to the CAS, the move is not intended as a punitive measure against retired personnel but as an administrative necessity aimed at preventing the misuse, loss or diversion of military firearms into unauthorised hands. “This process is about accountability and safety. It protects the integrity of the Nigerian Air Force, safeguards the public and also shields our retired officers from potential legal or security complications,” Abubakar said. NAF authorities noted that the retrieval exercise will be carried out nationwide through established military channels, ensuring that the process is orderly and respectful of retired officers. The Air Force also assured veterans that their welfare remains a priority, stressing that the policy does not diminish their service or sacrifices to the nation. The development comes amid broader security sector reforms focused on tightening control over small arms and light weapons, especially at a time when Nigeria continues to battle insecurity in several regions. NAF leadership further revealed that discussions are ongoing on the possibility of a future, highly regulated framework that could allow eligible retirees to access approved firearms for personal protection, subject to strict legal and security conditions. Observers say the policy aligns with international best practices on post-service weapons management and reflects the military’s renewed commitment to accountability, professionalism and national security.
