Gunmen, Terrorists Seized 282 Rifles From Nigerian Security Agencies in Five Years — SBM Report

A new security report by SBM Intelligence (SBM Intel) has revealed that terrorists, bandits and other armed groups stole 282 rifles from Nigerian security agencies in 94 separate incidents between 2021 and mid-2026, raising fresh concerns over the safety of government weapons and the country's worsening arms proliferation challenge.

The report, titled "Nigeria's Stolen Rifles: Who Loses, Who Takes," found that the Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest number of stolen weapons, losing 201 rifles, representing 71.3 per cent of all firearms taken from security personnel during the period under review.

According to the report, the Nigerian military lost 45 rifles, accounting for 16 per cent of the total, while unspecified security agencies lost 15 rifles, representing 5.3 per cent. Other agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), collectively lost 12 rifles, while local vigilante groups lost nine.

Unknown Gunmen Responsible for Majority of Thefts

SBM Intelligence attributed the highest number of stolen rifles to unknown gunmen, who allegedly carted away 168 rifles, representing 59.6 per cent of all reported thefts.

The report further linked bandits to the theft of 58 rifles (20.6 per cent), while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) was associated with 41 rifles (14.5 per cent).

It also attributed the theft of nine rifles to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), while kidnappers were linked to four rifles and Boko Haram to two.

Delta, Abia Recorded Highest Number of Stolen Rifles

Geographically, Delta State recorded the highest number of stolen rifles, with 67, followed by Abia (51), Borno (40), Zamfara (20) and Katsina (11).

According to SBM Intelligence, Delta and Abia alone accounted for 42 per cent of all stolen rifles documented nationwide during the review period.

The report also warned that the rate at which security personnel lost rifles appeared to have accelerated in 2026, describing the trend as a growing concern for national security.

Recoveries Outnumber Theft, But Challenge Persists

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

However, SBM Intelligence cautioned that the significantly higher number of recovered weapons suggests that the country's illicit arms challenge extends far beyond firearms stolen directly from security personnel.

"Between 2021 and mid-2026, armed groups stole 282 rifles from Nigerian security forces across 94 incidents. Police lost 71 per cent of these. Delta and Abia accounted for 42 per cent of thefts, with the pace accelerating in 2026. Yet the recoveries (1,442) dwarf thefts; this is a sign that Nigeria's illegal weapons problem goes far beyond stolen service rifles," the report stated.

The findings come against the backdrop of persistent attacks on police stations, military formations, security checkpoints and other government facilities by armed groups operating across different parts of the country.

The report is expected to further fuel discussions on the need to strengthen armoury security, improve accountability for service weapons and intensify efforts to curb the circulation of illegal firearms across Nigeria.