Admin l Tuesday, Jan. 29, 2019
LAGOS, Nigeria – Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu has imposed total ban on issuance of new licences for arms across the federation. The IGP also called on Nigerians to voluntarily submit arms in their possession to any arms depot or police station closer to where they live.
IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu gave the directive in a press statement made available by Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba. According to the IGP, intelligence indicate presence of huge quantity of arms in unlawful possession of some Nigerians, adding that the there is desperation of some citizens to acquire more arms.
He said the continued proliferation of illicit weapons in the polity, has attendant negative and security implications and called on all Nigerians currently in unlawful possession of such weapons are to immediately ensure a voluntary return of the weapons to police station or public armoury nearest to them.
“The Inspector General of Police has also, with immediate effect, placed an embargo on the issuance of New Licences for designated arms throughout the country.
“The IGP advises Nigerians to take advantage of the “voluntary arms return window” and do the right thing as there will be dire consequences for defaulters and those who fail to heed the call”he said, adding that the Force has perfected plans to embark on a massive, nationwide Joint Arms Mopping up Operations.
“The operation which will be intelligent driven and target oriented, is designed to retrieve all illicit weapons in circulation, halt the on-going proliferation of weapons, restore law and order and bring perpetrators to justice”, he said.
