Joy Anyim
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Mohammed Adamu, has ordered a massive clampdown on individuals or groups in possession of prohibited firearms.
IGP Adamu, in a statement, on Sunday, directed all states Commissioners of Police, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to immediately initiate appropriate actions to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute erring individuals, and groups.
He said this was needed to ensure a peaceful elections at the forthcoming gubernatorial elections in Edo and Ondo states, as well as curb the proliferation of prohibited firearms in the country.
The statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Mr. 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. ”
The police high command had also directed all state Commissioners of Police 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 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 safety of lives and property in the country,” the statement also said.
