Borno State Police Command has directed all persons in possession of prohibited firearms to surrender them at any police formation nearest to them in an endeavour to mop-up prohibited firearms in circulation.
The order was issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Sani Kamilu Shatambaya, in a statement made accessible to journalists.
The step, according to the statement, is in accordance with the directions of the Acting Inspector General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to reduce the spread of dangerous weapons.
In the statement, the Command assured citizens, particularly those in possession of firearms, that such voluntary surrender would not be sanctioned by the police.
“This is aimed at reducing the number of guns in circulation across the State, and 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”, he said.
The Command warned that perpetrators who refused to render their arms would not be spared but would 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.