The Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase has warned pro-Biafra agitators and their supporters to reconsider their stand on carrying illegal arms for self-deefence or face the wrath of the extant laws concerning firearms because it is a criminal offence for anybody to carry firearms without a licence or permit.
Arase also warned that anybody who dares security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities and make life difficult for law-abiding citizens, will face dire consequences for their actions.
Consequently, he directed all Zonal AIGs and State Commands CPs to enforce strictly the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of the country
The IGP issued the raft of orders Thursday following media reports that members of the Independent Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) have threatened to arm their members in self-defence against the security agencies which have so far killed at least 1,000 of their unarmed members legitimately agitating for the unconditional release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the IGP further cautioned “the IPOB members to follow appropriate avenues in ventilating their grievances as anybody who steps out of bounds will be decisively dealt with. Consequently, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of the country.”
The statement reads, “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication credited to the Indigenous People of Biafra ‘to carry guns in self-defence’.
“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, has sternly warned members of the IPOB to reconsider their stand or face the wrath of the extant laws on bearing of firearms.
“Members of the group should therefore note that it is an offence punishable under the criminal Law of the Federation of Nigeria for a person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without licence or permit.
“The IPOB are advised to be guided in respect of the above as the Police Force is poised to uphold the existing restrictions over the use of firearms.
“Meanwhile, all Zonal AIGs and State Commands CPs have been directed to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the length and breadth of the country.
“The Inspector-General of Police has assured that the Nigeria Police Force, complemented by other security agencies in the country, will tirelessly and assiduously work towards eliminating any threat to internal security and social disorder.
“He has reassured Nigerians of his commitment to their safety and security.”
