The United Nations has raised fresh concerns over the alarming rise in illicit firearms worldwide, warning that more than one billion illegal weapons are now in circulation, with many of them increasingly sophisticated and digitally produced.
Adedeji Ebo, Deputy to the High Representative for UN Disarmament Affairs, disclosed the figure while briefing the UN Security Council on Monday, describing the unchecked spread of illegal arms as both a “symptom and driver of multiple global crises.”
He cautioned that the widespread availability of small arms and light weapons continues to fuel conflict, crime, and instability, stressing the urgent need for coordinated global action.
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The UN report identified new and fast-evolving threats, including the rise of digitally manufactured and 3D-crafted guns now infiltrating black markets, especially in Western Europe and Latin America.
Ebo noted that weak border control systems, cyber-enabled trafficking, and ongoing violations of arms embargoes in regions such as Libya, Yemen, and Haiti are worsening the crisis, with diverted weapons arming terrorist networks and criminal syndicates.
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INTERPOL representative Roraima Ana Andriani joined the UN in urging greater international collaboration, saying that “diplomatic leadership in the multilateral arena is essential to translate political will into concrete cooperation among countries.”
Global security experts have also warned that illicit arms circulation remains one of the most powerful enablers of terrorism, organised crime, and regional insecurity — demanding urgent diplomatic and operational intervention.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
