The Osun Police Department has issued a statement urging individuals in possession of illegal firearms to voluntarily surrender them at the nearest Divisional Police Headquarters.
This announcement was made by SP Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson for the Osun Police.
Opalola clarified that this action aligns with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, which aims to tackle the widespread circulation of firearms.
”There are no punitive measures attached to the submission of the firearms. No one will”
Recall that on August 8, Egbetokun announced that the police had ceased issuing licenses for small arms across the country.
”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.
“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.”
For years, the regulation of firearms in Nigeria has been governed by the Firearm Act.
According to this Act, it is stipulated that no individual may possess or have control over any firearm or ammunition unless they possess a license granted by either the President or the Inspector General of Police.
Egbetokun also announced the establishment of an ad hoc committee dedicated to conducting a thorough review of firearms licensing and regulations within the Nigeria Police Force. This initiative aligns closely with the provisions outlined in the Firearms Act and other existing laws, all aimed at prioritizing public safety and bolstering general security.
The committee’s scope of work encompasses a meticulous examination of the current procedures and regulations governing firearms licensing, to augment their efficiency, transparency, and accountability.