In Osun State, the police force has issued a compelling call to individuals who possess illegal firearms, urging them to surrender their weapons at the nearest Divisional Police Headquarters voluntarily.
This initiative is part of a nationwide endeavour to address the proliferation of firearms in the country.
This directive, aligning with the order of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, aims to curb the widespread circulation of illicit arms and enhance public safety. SP Yemisi Opalola, the spokesperson for the Osun Police Command, made the announcement.
Opalola underscored that no punitive measures will be taken against those who voluntarily submit their firearms, assuring them that no arrests or detentions will occur due to compliance with this directive.
This move follows IGP Egbetokun's earlier statement on August 8, 2023, where he temporarily suspended the issuance of small arms licenses across Nigeria. The goal is to initiate a thorough clean-up of firearms currently in circulation.
"We are conducting a thorough clean-up of arms in circulation. There are far too many arms in circulation, and if we continue to issue licenses for arms, we may exacerbate the problems we are trying to solve," remarked IGP Egbetokun.
The existing Firearm Act has played a crucial role in regulating firearms in Nigeria for several years, stipulating that possessing firearms or ammunition without a valid license from the President or the Inspector General of Police is illegal.
In addition to the call for surrendering illegal firearms, IGP Egbetokun has also announced the establishment of an ad hoc committee tasked with a comprehensive review of firearms licensing and regulations by the Nigeria Police Force. The committee's mandate includes thoroughly assessing current firearms licensing procedures and regulations to make them more effective, transparent, and accountable.
