In an effort to mop-up prohibited firearms in circulation, Borno State Police Command has ordered all persons in possession of such prohibited weapons to surrender them at any police formation nearest to them.
The Command gave the order through its Public Relations Office, ASP Sani Kamilu Shatambaya in a statement he made available to newsmen.
According to the statement, the measure is in compliance with the directives of the Acting Inspector General of Police Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to curb proliferation of dangerous weapons with a view to ushering serene society that thrives on law and order.
The Command in the statement assured the citizenry, especially those in possession of the weapons that such voluntary surrender will not attract any sanction from the police.
“This is aimed at reducing the number of guns in circulation across the state, and also to stop firearms from getting into the wrong hands and being used by offenders to commit crimes on our streets or anywhere else in the country, hence keeping the State safe for all”, it said.
The police Command, however warned that perpetrators who refuse to render their arms will not be spared and will be made to face the full wrath of the law when caught.
“Anyone found in possession of a firearm of any type – be it a pistol, rifle, air weapon, or imitation (i.e. locally made guns, dummy guns, etc), shall be arrested and prosecuted for unlawful possession of firearm”, it warned.
Recall that, Borno State located in the Northeastern part of Nigeria is the epicentre of the protracted Boko Haram insurgency, where thousands have been killed, while millions others have been displaced since the outbreak of the conflict in 2009.
By EL Shaddai
