Babatunji Wusu –

Kayode Egbetokun, the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), plans to form an ad hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive review of the Nigeria Police Force’s firearms licensing and regulations.
According to Egbetokun, the development is in accordance with the Firearms Act and other existing legislation, and is in the interest of public safety and general security.

The committee’s mandate would include a comprehensive review of present guns licensing procedures and regulations in order to improve their efficacy, transparency, and accountability.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, stated in a statement made on Monday, September 11: “The Police will engage with relevant stakeholders, including legal experts, civil society organizations, and experts in the field, to ensure a holistic and well-informed review.”

“Similarly, in furtherance of his determination to combat all forms of insecurity in the country, the IGP has issued a stern warning to all individuals involved in the wrongful possession of arms and light weapons, emphasizing that the illegal proliferation of firearms and light weapons poses a significant threat to our nation’s peace and stability.”

“In light of this, the Nigeria Police Force is resolutely determined to combat 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.”

Ogunjobi promised that the Nigeria Police Force would pursue and prosecute individuals involved in these illicit acts to the full extent of the law.

The police chief also directed all State Commissioners of Police and supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Commands and tactical teams to launch a nationwide crackdown on the illicit manufacturing, sale, ownership, and use of prohibited guns.

He encouraged all Nigerians to report any suspected firearms activity to their local police divisions or through the different NPF social media platforms for swift response.