Nigeria Police Rules Out New Firearms Licence to Anyone

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has ruled out the possibility of the force issuing new firearms licence to any person.

In a statement signed by the Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, the IGP stated that the ban imposed by the Nigeria police on issuance of fresh licences and procurement of

firearms is still in force.

"The NPF has not and will not issue fresh firearms licence to anyone.The Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, has restated that the ban earlier imposed by the Force on the issuance of fresh licences for procurement of firearms is still in force," Mr. Mba said.

The police statement came after the Zamfara state governor, Abdulaziz Abubakar, announced that he had procured rifles for distribution to the state vigilante groups to aid security efforts. The Senate rejected the move on Thursday after a motion seeking approval was tabled.

Vigilante groups have sprouted across the country amid mounting insecurity, many of them armed-even illegally. On Sunday, members of a vigilante group in Ogun state responding to the scene of an armed robbery attack, mistakenly killed two residents.

The police spokesperson said the ban is in exercise of the power vested on the president and IGP by the firearms Act to restrict the spread of firearms within the country.

Mr. Mba also said that the NPF has not issued neither is it intending to issue permits to any individual, groups, organizations or agencies of any State government for procurement or purpose of bearing firearms.

Nigerian law prohibits the bearing or use of arms without necessary licences.

Iit is an offence punishable under the Law for (i) A person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without a licence granted by the President; (ii) A person to have in his possession or under his control, a personal firearm without a licence issued by the IGP; (iii) Any person to import or export firearms or ammunition without the appropriate licence.

Mr. Mba said while the vigilante groups and some other sincere community efforts towards safety and security are encouraged to work in partnership with local police authorities, the conduct and practice of such vigilante groups must be in total conformity with the Laws of the land.

He reiterated that members of the public are advised to be properly guided in respect of the above laws as the Police Force is poised to uphold the existing restriction over the use of firearms while government and non-government institutions with genuine concerns for the security of their environment are hereby advised to partner with the Police and other legitimate Security Agencies for the safety of their environment.

He finally said that the NPF has closed down armouries of all licensed firearms dealers and their activities kept under due surveillance.