Report: Terrorists, Bandits Steal 282 Rifles from Nigerian Security Agencies Since 2021

A new report by SBM Intel Violence Tracker reveals that armed groups have stolen 282 rifles from Nigerian security forces in 94 incidents between 2021 and mid-2026. The Nigeria Police Force suffered the most losses, with 201 rifles taken. The military lost 45, while other agencies, including the NSCDC, Customs, and local vigilantes, lost the remainder. “Unknown gunmen” were responsible for nearly 60% of all thefts, followed by bandits and ISWAP fighters. Delta and Abia states alone accounted for 42% of the total rifles stolen. The report warns that thefts accelerated in 2026, even as security forces recovered 1,442 rifles over the same period. Analysts say this highlights a wider illegal arms problem beyond stolen service weapons.

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