Nigeria’s arms imports rise 104% to N55bn in six months

Nigeria imported N55.06 billion worth of arms and ammunition in the first half of 2026, more than double the value recorded during the same period in 2025. Nigeria’s imports of arms and ammunition rose to N55.06 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 104.31 per cent increase from N26.95 billion recorded during the corresponding period of...

• Nigeria imported N55.06 billion worth of arms and ammunition in the first half of 2026, more than double the value recorded during the same period in 2025.
• Nigeria’s imports of arms and ammunition rose to N55.06 billion in the first half of 2026, representing a 104.31 per cent increase from N26.95 billion recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.The figures, drawn from foreign trade data, come amid continuing concern over the proliferation of weapons and heightened security attention ahead of the 2027 general elections.The increase in the monetary value of legally recorded imports should not, however, be interpreted as evidence that all weapons entered Nigeria illegally or were intended for electoral violence, as the trade figures do not by themselves establish either claim.
• This story is filed under Security on Glow 99.1 FM.