The United Nations has reported that weapons looted during the 2011 conflict in Libya have been traced to Nigeria and other parts of the Sahel region, where they continue to fuel extremism and violence.

According to Izumi Nakamitsu, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament Affairs, these illicit arms are driving ongoing instability, terrorism, and organised crime across the region. She warned that the end of a war does not stop the circulation of weapons looted during the fighting.

Nakamitsu described the problem of illegal firearms as more than just a security issue. She called it a serious concern for development and human rights, noting that such weapons are often linked to gender-based violence and abuse.

She also highlighted new challenges in arms trafficking, including the use of 3D-printed guns and sophisticated smuggling networks. These developments make it harder for authorities to trace weapons and stop their flow.

The findings underscore the long-term consequences of conflict and the need for a broad approach to tackling the spread of small arms.