By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Nigeria Police Force has restated its position on possession of rifles by private individuals, stressing that the ban on the issuance of firearms licences remains in effect.
The force reiterated this as the calls for self-defence by concerned Nigerians intensify.
NPF’s Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said this in an interview with Sunday Punch.
He stated unequivocally that the police had not lifted the ban on the issuance of firearms licenses.
“We are yet to lift the ban on issuance of firearms. The ban is still on,” he said.
Recall that amid escalating insecurity across the country, the police suspended the issuance of small arms licences in 2023, citing the alarming rate of illegal arms proliferation.
According to the Firearms Act of 2024, only the President or the Inspector General of Police is authorised to grant firearms licenses.
As stipulated in the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, 2004, possession of firearms without proper authorisation attracts a minimum of 10 years imprisonment, a fine of ₦20,000, or both,
Recall also, in the face of growing insecurity in the country, particularly the unabated killings in Benue and Plateau States, many Nigerians have urged the government to licence arm bearing for citizens to defend themselves against attack.
A former Defence Minister, Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (retd) had emphasised the need for citizens to defend themselves against rising incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks.
Danjuma made the call during an event in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State in April.
He said the government’s inability to guarantee safety had left citizens with no choice but seek means of self-defence.
“I know we have a lot of problems, including security. As recently as two or three days ago, we experienced kidnapping,” he said.
“The threat will continue until we rise and defend ourselves. It is quite clear the government alone cannot do it,” he said.
