The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has announced that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is ready to review the licensing and regulation of firearms in the country.
In a Press Release on Monday, Egbetokun stated that an ad-hoc committee has been set up to that effect, in line with the Firearms Act.
Egbetokun assured that the committee will ensure a thorough review of current firearms licensing procedures and regulations, to improve their effectiveness, transparency, and accountability.
The release signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed the police will work with relevant stakeholders, legal experts and civil society organisations to ensure a thorough review.
Adejobi stated that the IGP had also warned that individuals in the illegal possession of firearms must surrender them.
“Similarly, in furtherance of his zeal to tackle all forms of insecurity in the country, the IG has issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in the wrongful possession of arms and light weapons, reiterating that illegal proliferation of firearms and light weapons poses a significant threat to the peace and stability of our nation,” the statement read.
He reiterated the force’s commitment to fight the illegal manufacture, possession and sales of arms in the country, adding that culprits will be punished fully by the law.
“In light of this, the Nigeria Police Force is resolutely determined to combat the illegal fabrication, sales, possession and use of arms emphasising that possessing firearms without the appropriate licenses and permits is not only a violation of the law but also a grave danger to society. He assured that the Nigeria Police Force will spare no effort in pursuing and prosecuting those engaged in these illegal activities to the full extent of the law,” Adejobi added.
“The Inspector General of Police has charged all state Commissioners of Police and supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands, and tactical squads to commence a total clampdown on the illegal fabrication, sale, possession, and use of prohibited firearms in the country.
“He equally urged all Nigerians to report suspicious activities related to firearms to their local police divisions or via the various NPF social media platforms for prompt response.”
He revealed that the Force Headquarters has stopped the issuance of licences for small arms because to the high rate of illegal arms proliferation in the country. He said if the force continued to issue licenses, a lasting solution might not be reached. He further revealed that the ban was subject to future review
“We are mopping up arms in circulation. There are too many arms in circulation and if we continue to issue licences on arms, we may continue to aggravate the problems we are trying to solve.”
“For now, there is a temporary ban on the issuance of firearms. We may review it later, but we are not issuing firearms licences nationwide now.”
In August, the IGP had pointed that gun licensing may worsen the country’s security concerns. He had maintained that the police’s ban on gun license issuance. The Firearm Act ensures the control of firearms in Nigeria. It provides that no person shall possess any firearm or ammunition except they have a license from the President or the Inspector General of Police.