As part of preparations toward the forthcoming gubernatorial elections
in Edo and Ondo States, as well as efforts by the Police High Command to
curb the proliferation of prohibited firearms in the country, the
Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has ordered
Commissioners of Police in the thirty-six states of the Federation and
the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to immediately initiate appropriate
actions to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute any
individual(s) or group(s) in possession of prohibited firearms.
A statement signed by Force Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba, said “the
directive has become necessary against the backdrop of the deliberate
arming and movement of political thugs and other criminal elements
across the country. In addition, the directive is targeted at addressing
the proliferation and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in the
country which is contrary to the provisions of Chapter F.28 LFN 2004 of
the Firearms Act.
“In a similar vein, Commissioners of Police in all the States of the
Federation and the FCT have been directed to immediately convene an
enlightenment meeting of all vigilante groups and quasi security outfits
spread across the country in order to ensure that their activities are
in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and
operations.
“The IGP, while observing that several civil groups – vigilantes,
quasi-states, and regional security outfits under various guises are
arming themselves with prohibited firearms and weapons in contravention
of the provisions of the Firearms Act, notes that the trend if unchecked
will pose a serious threat to national security.
“The IGP enjoins citizens to cooperate with the Police in the
enforcement of this order as it is aimed at ensuring the safety of lives
and property in the country.”