The stolen rifles report released by SBM Intel has revealed that Nigerian security agencies lost 282 rifles to terrorists, bandits and other armed groups between 2021 and mid-2026.
According to the report, the incidents occurred in 94 separate attacks and security breaches across the country. The findings showed that the Nigeria Police Force recorded the highest losses, accounting for more than 70 per cent of the stolen weapons.
The report, titled Nigeria’s Stolen Rifles: Who Loses, Who Takes, highlighted growing concerns over the security of government-owned firearms. Furthermore, it indicated that the pace of rifle theft increased significantly in 2026.
Stolen rifles report highlights police losses
The report stated that the Nigeria Police Force lost 201 rifles during the review period. This figure represents 71.3 per cent of all stolen firearms recorded in the study.
The military lost 45 rifles, accounting for 16 per cent of the total. In addition, unspecified security agencies lost 15 rifles, representing 5.3 per cent.
Other agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Nigeria Customs Service, recorded losses of 12 rifles. Vigilante groups also lost nine rifles during the period under review.
Analysts noted that the high number of missing police weapons raises concerns about the safety of armouries, patrol teams and officers operating in conflict zones.
Armed groups behind rifle thefts
The report identified unknown gunmen as the leading perpetrators of weapon thefts. According to SBM Intel, these groups accounted for 168 stolen rifles, representing nearly 60 per cent of the total.
Bandits were linked to 58 stolen rifles, while the Islamic State West Africa Province accounted for 41 rifles. Together, these groups contributed significantly to the spread of illegal weapons.
The Indigenous People of Biafra was connected to the theft of nine rifles. Kidnappers reportedly stole four rifles, while Boko Haram accounted for two.
Security experts believe that stolen weapons often strengthen criminal networks and increase the threat posed by armed groups across the country.
States with highest losses in the stolen rifles report
The report showed that Delta State recorded the highest number of stolen rifles, with 67 weapons lost during the period.
Abia State followed with 51 stolen rifles, while Borno State recorded 40 cases. Zamfara State accounted for 20 stolen rifles, and Katsina State recorded 11.
According to SBM Intel, Delta and Abia alone represented 42 per cent of all reported thefts. The concentration of incidents in these states highlights regional security challenges.
The report also noted that attacks on security personnel and facilities contributed to the growing number of missing firearms.
Security agencies recover more weapons
Despite the losses, security agencies recovered a much larger number of firearms during the same period. The report stated that authorities recovered 1,442 rifles between 2021 and mid-2026.
According to SBM Intel, the recovery figures suggest that Nigeria’s illegal arms market extends beyond weapons stolen from security personnel.
The organisation stated that the number of recovered weapons significantly exceeded the number of stolen service rifles. Therefore, experts believe that illicit arms trafficking remains a major source of weapons used by criminal groups.
The report stated, “Between 2021 and mid-2026, armed groups stole 282 rifles from Nigerian security forces across 94 incidents. Police lost 71 per cent of these weapons.”
Security concerns continue across Nigeria
The findings come amid persistent insecurity in several parts of Nigeria. Bandit attacks, insurgency, kidnapping and violent crimes have continued to challenge security agencies.
Several states in the North-East, North-West and South-East have experienced attacks on security formations and personnel in recent years. Consequently, weapons lost during such incidents often become difficult to recover.
Experts have repeatedly called for stronger armoury management systems, improved intelligence gathering and better protection for security personnel.
The stolen rifles report also raises concerns about the circulation of illegal weapons and the ability of criminal groups to access firearms. While security agencies continue to recover weapons, the report suggests that Nigeria’s illegal arms problem remains broader than rifles stolen from government forces.
Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to secure armouries, protect personnel and prevent further losses as the country confronts ongoing security threats.
