The Anambra State Police Command has issued an order for an immediate clampdown on persons and groups with prohibited firearms in the state.
The order came from the Commissioner of Police in the State, CP John Abang.
Recently, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Adamu had given a directive to all Commissioners of Police, on total clampdown, disarmament and prosecution of persons and groups bearing prohibited firearms nationwide.
A statement on behalf of the State Police Command, issued on Thursday by its Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed said the clampdown by the Command is a sequel to the IGP’s directive.
“In line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, on total clampdown, disarmament and prosecution of persons or group bearing prohibited firearms nationwide, the State Commissioner of Police, CP John Abang, has ordered the strict enforcement of the IGP’S directive in Anambra State.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Part II(3) of the schedule of Firearms Act L.N32 of 1959 provides inter alia, that “No person shall have in his possession or under his control, any firearm of one of the categories specified in part I of the schedule to this Act (referred to as prohibited firearm) except in accordance with a license granted by the President acting in his discretion.”
“Therefore, acquiring such firearms by any group or Community without requisite legal approval of the President remains an illegal act and a major threat to National Security, for which the groups or individuals concerned could be criminally liable.
“In view of the above, the Command will henceforth arrest, disarm and prosecute anyone found with unlawful possession of prohibited firearms in the State,” read the statement.
The command warned individuals or groups in possession of prohibited firearms to with immediate effect, submit same to the nearest Police Station or face arrest and prosecution.
