The Nigerian Police Force has firmly denounced the rise of unlawful Firearms throughout the nation and has cautioned against owning and utilising such weapons after a suspension on the granting of small arms permits in August 2023. This action was prompted by the growing prevalence of illegal arms, which endangers public safety. Muyiwa Adejobi, the Security agency speaker, addressed a collective press conference held by the Strategic Communications and Inter-agency Policy Committee, convened by the Office of the National Security Adviser. He stressed that backdated firearms licenses issued are illegal and invalid.
He expressed concern about individuals who attempt to obtain or forge such licenses, warning that these actions are punishable under the law. Adejobi’s statements indicate the government’s intensified initiatives to combat the rising incidence of arms Smuggling within the nation. He emphasised that the prohibition on firearms is still enforced, and those found with restricted weapons will encounter legal repercussions. He asserted that unlawfully bringing in or owning firearms, under any condition, constitutes an offence. He advised people to avoid the arms trade, alerting them to the potential dangers posed by deceitful arms dealers who might take advantage of circumstances to their advantage.
Law enforcement intensifies efforts against the illegal weapons market.
Also, the problem of illegal arms trafficking has become a growing concern in the country, as many arms dealers employ questionable strategies to deceive unaware buyers into acquiring weapons. Adejobi emphasised the threats these arms traders pose, who often work secret and are recognised for their deceptive approaches. He promised that law enforcement is intensifying its efforts against these actions and will keep seeking out individuals who contribute to the illicit weapon market. The police have a definite position regarding firearm ownership. In this country, possessing or utilising banned weapons is not only against the law but also represents a crime that may result in jail.
Adejobi reiterated the police’s dedication to enforcing the law and ensuring that violators face the full force of justice. He encouraged Nigerians to avoid illegally obtaining weapons, emphasising that the current prohibition will continue strictly enforced until additional updates are provided. Moreover, Adejobi’s speech highlighted an important matter concerning two persons declared by authorities for supposedly conspiring to disrupt the democratically elected government. Andrew Wynne, a British national, and Lucky Obiyan, a Nigerian citizen, have been identified as key suspects in a scheme that law enforcement believes intended to destabilise the nation.
Police pursue suspects for plotting against security and the government.
Furthermore, the pair faces allegations of participating in actions that jeopardise the nation’s safety, such as violently ousting the president from his office. The Nigerian Police, working alongside the Nigeria Immigration Service, has initiated an inquiry into Wynne’s immigration status to determine if he is lawfully living there. While his immigration situation is still being assessed, Adejobi emphasised that Wynne and Obiyan are still at large, and authorities strive to apprehend them for their actions. He emphasised that efforts to undermine the government through covert actions will be met with zero tolerance.
This situation has highlighted the broader concern of external influences on the nation’s domestic security. Adejobi stated the police’s commitment to prohibiting foreign individuals from provoking or financing unrest within the nation. He warned that officials will take action against anyone, especially foreign nationals, who provide financial support or recruit others to partake in illegal or terrorist activities. He stated that the administration is dedicated to preserving the country’s independence and guaranteeing its people’s protection from domestic and international dangers.
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However, the Nigerian government’s intensified actions against arms smuggling and destabilising actions demonstrate a broader initiative to improve its security system in light of persistent issues. Law enforcement is adopting a firmer approach towards arms ownership, focusing on upholding the prohibition on firearms and tackling any vulnerabilities that offenders could exploit. Adejobi cautioned that individuals who violate the law will encounter consequences, and law enforcement will persist in pursuing justice to enhance the nation’s safety and stability. While Nigeria faces ongoing security issues, the government’s strict anti-illegal weapons policy and actions that threaten the state’s stability highlight the necessity of upholding law and order.