Abuja, Nigeria, February 19, 2016 – The Nigerian Police Force(NPF) has warned members of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) never to attempt arming themselves as the group has alleged.
In a press statement, Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase warned the group to reconsider their stance or face extant laws on bearing of firearms.
He directed all Zonal AIGs and State Commands CPs to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of the country, assuring that Nigeria Police Force, complemented by other security agencies in the country, will tirelessly and assiduously work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and social disorder.
“The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication credited to the Indigenous People of Biafra ‘to carry guns in self defence’, and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, fdc, NPM, has sternly warned members of the IPOB to reconsider their stand or face the wrath of the extant laws on bearing of firearms.
“The IGP warns that anybody who dares security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities, and make life difficult for law abiding citizens, will face dare consequences of their actions”, Arase said in the state and called on IPOB members to follow appropriate avenues in ventilating their grievances, stressing that anybody who steps out of bounds will be decisively dealt with.
He said it is an offence punishable under the criminal Law of the Federation of Nigeria for a person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without licence or permit.
“The IPOB are advised to be guided in respect of the above as the Police Force is poised to uphold the existing restriction over the use of firearms”, he said.
