The West African Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA) has called for urgent action to tackle rising insecurity and the proliferation of illegal weapons as the body begins its 2026 global week of action against gun violence.
Key Highlights:
In a statement released in Ibadan, the organisation expressed concern over the continued abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State, warning that attacks on schools pose a serious threat to the future of education and national security.
The statement coincides with the commencement of the Global Week of Action Against Gun Violence (#GWoA), scheduled for June 3 to 8, 2026, with the theme: “Protect the Future: Control Small Arms and Their Ammunition for Global Safety.”
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WAANSA Nigeria disclosed that its Regional First Vice President, Martin Igwe, alongside the organisation’s Director of Programmes, George Okolie, are currently representing Nigeria at the United Nations ninth biennial meeting of states on small arms in New York, where global stakeholders are reviewing progress on efforts to curb illicit arms proliferation.
The group commended Nigerian security personnel for their sacrifices in the fight against insurgency and armed violence, while citing reports by the United States Africa Command estimating that about 30,000 militant groups operate within Nigeria’s North-West region.
However, the organisation expressed alarm over the continued captivity of abducted pupils and teachers following the May 15, 2026, attack in the Oyo/Ogbomoso/Esiele/Ayewater axis.
WAANSA Nigeria renewed calls under the hashtag “BringBackTheOyo41,” stressing that the abduction of schoolchildren mirrors previous incidents such as the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping tragedy.
“Once again, school children are being used as weapons of war. Enough is enough,” the organisation stated.
According to the group, Nigeria already faces the challenge of over 18 million out-of-school children, warning that persistent attacks on educational institutions could worsen the crisis and deny another generation access to learning opportunities.
WAANSA acknowledged the federal government’s approval of 1,000 forest guards for Oyo State but insisted that official visits and high-level delegations to affected communities must be matched with concrete rescue efforts and sustained security operations.
The organisation also referenced the recent kidnapping of retired Major General Rabiu Abubakar, a school principal, and his wife in Katsina State as evidence that insecurity continues to threaten citizens across all levels of society.
“The message is clear: security is everybody’s business. Education is under attack,” the statement added.
WAANSA further appealed to armed groups to stop targeting children and schools, while urging government agencies and development partners to provide psychosocial support for rescued victims to aid their recovery and reintegration.
