The Nigerian Police reiterated the ban on firearms for private individuals, warning against fraudulent licensing schemes. Meanwhile, Nigeria Customs declared a state of emergency at Onne Port due to alarming smuggling of arms and drugs. Efforts by the Nigerian Correctional Service and security agencies to tackle the issue continue, with investigations into illegal arms trafficking underway.
The Nigerian Police Force has reaffirmed the existing ban on the use of firearms by private individuals and non-state actors, stating that the embargo on licensing remains in full effect. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued this reminder during a press briefing organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser, hosted by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) under the Strategic Communications Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC).
Adejobi warned the public not to fall for schemes orchestrated by gunrunners, claiming to offer police-linked firearm licenses. “If you want to get personal arms, you must wait until the government lifts the ban. Currently, we are not issuing licenses, and anyone who claims otherwise is deceiving the public,” Adejobi cautioned.
He added that there are individuals attempting to provide backdated, fraudulent firearm licenses. “Possession of illegal firearms is a serious crime, and we will take swift action against those who violate these laws,” Adejobi emphasized, stressing the police’s resolve to crack down on illegal weapons and related criminal activities.
Customs Declares State of Emergency on Smuggling at Onne Port
In related developments, the Nigeria Customs Service has declared a state of emergency on smuggling of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs through Onne Port. The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, explained the rationale for the emergency declaration, stating that the increase in seizures at the port necessitates heightened vigilance.
“We have noticed a consistent influx of prohibited items like arms and drugs through Onne Port. As a result, we have shifted emphasis from trade facilitation to suppressing smuggling activities. This is the context of the state of emergency,” Maiwada explained.
He further detailed that items which normally pass without examination under fast-track procedures will now undergo 100% scrutiny to prevent smuggling of illegal goods. “The volume of illegal items coming through Onne Port is alarming, and we are ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to combat this issue,” he added.
Correctional Service Debunks Viral Video of Inmate Feeding Conditions
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) addressed concerns regarding a viral video that alleged poor feeding conditions for inmates. Spokesperson Abubakar Umar refuted the claims, stating that the matter is under investigation following an order from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. He also noted that inmate feeding allowances were recently increased by 50% as part of efforts to improve welfare.
In conclusion, Adejobi praised the efforts of the National Centre for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, which continues to make progress in intercepting illegal arms and making arrests. He assured the public that the police and other security agencies are committed to curbing criminal activities involving illegal firearms in Nigeria.
