Nigeria’s imports of arms and ammunition increased by 104.31 per cent in the first half of 2026, raising fresh concerns over weapons proliferation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that the country imported arms worth N55.06bn between January and June 2026, compared with N26.95bn recorded during the corresponding period of 2025.
The increase comes less than a year before the 2027 elections, with the presidential and National Assembly polls scheduled for January 16, while governorship and state House of Assembly elections are expected to hold on February 6.
The development also follows the interception of about 603 firearms by the Nigeria Customs Service between January and August 2026, according to an earlier report. The seized weapons were reportedly transferred to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Security analysts and civil society organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about the role of illicit arms in electoral violence and voter intimidation.
A recent CLEEN Foundation assessment of security conduct during the 2026 Osun governorship election found that security personnel were present in most of the polling units observed, although some officers reportedly left their posts temporarily and a small number of polling stations were left without security coverage.
CLEEN said maintaining security presence through the final stages of voting, ballot movement and result transmission was essential because the risk of interference could increase after polling ends.
The foundation further urged the Federal Government to strengthen the prosecution of electoral offences, warning that gaps in enforcement could encourage a culture of impunity ahead of future elections.
