He explained that the widespread availability of illicit arms is largely influenced by the needs of organised criminal groups, which use such weapons to facilitate offences including armed robbery and banditry.
“Once we say ‘illicit’, it’s a crime. What is driving all this is crime. The main market for illicit firearms is crime,” Bungei said.
According to the former police commander, tackling the proliferation of illegal firearms requires a targeted approach that focuses on dismantling the criminal networks responsible for creating demand.
He pointed out that as long as such networks remain active, efforts to curb the circulation of illicit weapons may have limited impact.
This, he said, underscores the need for coordinated security operations aimed at both supply chains and the end users of illegal firearms.
Bungei further emphasised that law enforcement agencies must strengthen intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify individuals and groups involved in the acquisition and use of illicit arms.
By disrupting these networks, authorities can significantly reduce the demand that fuels the illegal trade.
He also highlighted the role of cross-border movement in the spread of illegal firearms, noting that porous borders can facilitate the flow of weapons into the country, where they are later used in criminal activities.
The former commander said that collaboration between security agencies, both locally and regionally, is essential in addressing the challenge effectively.
Such cooperation, he noted, would help track the movement of illicit arms and curb their distribution.
In addition, Bungei called for sustained efforts to address the root causes of crime, arguing that reducing criminal activity would directly lower the demand for illegal firearms.