Ahead of Edo/Ondo Polls: IGP Orders Nationwide Clampdown On Proliferation Of Firearms

…Directs CPs to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute offenders

BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – As part of preparations toward the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo States, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Adamu, has ordered Commissioners of Police in the 36 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.

The IGP said that the measure is also part of efforts by the Police High Command to curb the proliferation of prohibited firearms in the country.

IGP Adamu, who gave the directive on Sunday through the a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, said the directive became necessary against the backdrop of the deliberate arming and movement of political thugs and other criminal elements across the country.

Adamu said that 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.

Accordingly, 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 police boss noted that several civil groups that include 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, stressing that the trend if unchecked, will pose serious threat to national security.

IGP Adamu therefore enjoined citizens to cooperate with the Police in the enforcement of the order as it is aimed at ensuring safety of lives and property in the country.