Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun has initiated an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive review of firearms licensing and regulations in accordance with the Firearms Act and other applicable laws.
The committee’s mission is to evaluate current firearms licensing processes and regulations to enhance their efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the interest of public safety and general security.
The Nigeria Police Force plans to collaborate with various stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society organizations, and field experts, to ensure a well-informed and all-encompassing review.
Adejobi said, “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, reiterated that illegal proliferation of firearms and light weapons poses a significant threat to the peace and stability of our nation.
“In light of this, the Nigeria Police Force is resolutely determined to combat the illegal fabrication, sales, possession, and use of arms emphasizing 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.
“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.”
The Inspector-General of Police (IG), Olukayode Egbetokun, had previously stated concerns that the issuance of gun licenses could worsen insecurity in Nigeria. He reaffirmed the police’s ban on granting gun licenses, suggesting that the ban might be reviewed or reversed in the future.
The decision to halt the issuance of licenses for small arms was made by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) due to the rampant illegal proliferation of firearms in the country. Egbetokun made these remarks during a meeting with members of the Police Management Team, which included Deputy Inspectors General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General of Police, and Commissioners of Police at the Goodluck Jonathan Peacekeeping Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
“We are mopping up arms in circulation. There are too many arms in circulation and if we continue to issue licenses on arms, we may continue to aggravate the problems we are trying to solve,” Egbetokun said.
However, he further noted that the police might review the ban in the future.
“For now, there is a temporary ban on the issuance of firearms. We May review it later, but we are not issuing firearms licenses nationwide now.”
It was reported that the Firearm Act has been responsible for the control of firearms in Nigeria for the past years.
The Act provides that no person shall have in his possession or under his control, any firearm or ammunition except such person has a license from the President or the Inspector General of Police.
