The Nigerian military says it has seized more than 500 illegal guns from civilians in the central state of Plateau.
The 517 weapons, including AK-47s, pistols and locally made guns, were handed over by a military commander at a ceremony in Jos, the state capital, on Thursday.
They were seized over the last two years from criminals including armed robbers and gangs that have been kidnapping people for ransom, a military spokesman told the BBC.
Some were seized in parts of neighbouring Bauchi and Kaduna state. A number of people were also arrested.
Some estimates indicate there were around 6.5 million small arms and light weapons in circulation in Nigeria last year - about 90% in the hands of non-state actors.
This makes armed conflicts more difficult to tackle in the country, analysts say.
But the Nigerian authorities say they are now trying to retrieve such weapons from civilians and control their proliferation.
Nigeria is struggling to tackle various forms of armed violence - a deadly insurgency by jihadist groups Boko Haram and the Islamic State and a worsening spate of killings and kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs locally known as bandits.
Plateau state in particular has experienced frequent communal conflicts in the past two decades as well as gang violence resulting in thousands of deaths and massive displacement of people.
Latest Stories
-
The Fourth Estate’s investigative report wins 2nd place at 2024 AIJC
4 mins -
GPL: Our fans spur us on – GoldStars head coach Frimpong Manso on unbeaten run
43 mins -
Plantain chips are breaking hearts in Africa
48 mins -
61 new architects acquire state license to practice in Ghana
1 hour -
Masloc CEO honoured as capacity building Shero of the Year
1 hour -
MPs’ Repeated Attempts to Sue the Speaker: Unintended Consequences for the 2024 Elections?
1 hour -
Today’s front pages: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
2 hours -
Galamsey: Investigation into attack on Joy News’ Erastus Asare and colleagues already growing cold
2 hours -
Mahama promises construction of stadia in all 16 regions if elected
2 hours -
Dampare has transformed Police training school – Bawumia
2 hours -
America braced as two stark visions collide on election day
2 hours -
NAPO urges Ghanaians to support NPP’s vision for national development
3 hours -
About 95% of PWDs in Obuasi have source of livelihood – MCE
3 hours -
Immigration Service intercepts 54 gallons of fuel
3 hours -
Election 2024: Roman Fada selected as flagbearer for Ghana Freedom Party
3 hours