Proliferation of weapons: Police plans massive arms mop

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

Disturbed about the presence of huge quantity of arms in circulation, the Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday, said it has perfected plans to embark on a massive, nationwide joint arms mopping up operations. A statement issued by the Force spokesman, ACP Frank Mba, on Sunday, said the acting Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, has called for voluntary surrender of all illegal arms in possession of unauthorised persons. He said “all Nigerians currently in unlawful possession of such weapons to immediately ensure a voluntary return of the weapons to Police Station or Public Armoury nearest to them.” According to Mba, the Police would soon embark on an operation if the appeal is not heeded, adding that the operation planned to be intelligence-driven, will also be target oriented. He said police operation which is designed to retrieve all illicit weapons in circulation will also “halt the on-going proliferation of weapons, restore law and order and bring perpetrators to justice.” The move, the Force spokesman added, is sequence upon intelligence indicating the presence of huge illegal quantity of arms in possession of some Nigerians and the desperation of some citizens to acquire more arms, with the attendant negative and security implications. IGP Adamu has therefore called on all Nigerians currently in unlawful possession of such weapons to immediately ensure a voluntary return of the weapons to Police Station or Public Armoury nearest to them. The Inspector General of Police has also, with immediate effect, placed an embargo on the issuance of New Licences for designated arms throughout the country. The IGP advised Nigerians to take advantage of the “voluntary arms return window” and do the right thing as there will be dire consequences for defaulters and those who fail to heed the call.