…Warns Persons, Groups To Voluntarily Submit Prohibited Firearms

…As Command is Set to Arrest, Prosecute Offenders, Releases Telephone Numbers

Rivers State Command of the Nigerian Police Force has directed persons in possession of prohibited firearms to immediately submit same to the nearest police station voluntarily or risk arrest and prosecution.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph G. Mukan who issued the directive ordered all Divisional Police Officers in the state to with “immediate effect, organize enlightenment meetings for personnel of the OSPAC, Vigilante, Forest Guards, Hunters and Local Security outfits within their areas of responsibility to ensure they operate in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.”

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Nnamdi Omoni on behalf of the the state Commissioner of Police, members of the public were enjoined to promptly report any individual or group found in possession of prohibited firearms to the police.

The Street Reporters Newspaper reports that the command also released contact telephone numbers to general public, urging them to rekindle their trust in the ability of the police to protect them and promptly report any person or persons found to be in possession of firearms.

The statement reads:

“Following the Directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohamed Abubakar
Adamu, NPM,mni on Clampdown on the Proliferation of Prohibited Firearms in the
Country, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph G. Mukan psc (+) after a Meeting today 20/8/2020 directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Tactical/Operational Departments of the Command to immediately put in place measures to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute any person or group of persons having in his possession any of the categories of firearms prohibited by law.

“The Commissioner of Police further directed all Divisional Police Officers to with immediate effect, organize enlightenment meetings for personnel of the OSPAC, Vigilante, Forest Guards, Hunters and Local Security outfits within their areas of responsibility to ensure they operate in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.

“On their parts, respective Area Commanders are to coordinate, Supervise and report the outcome of such Meetings to the CP with immediate effect.

“In the same vein, the CP wishes to inform all persons and/or groups unlawfully bearing prohibited firearms to with immediate effect, submit same to the nearest Police Station, as offenders will be arrested under the relevant Provisions of the Firearms Act.

“To this end therefore, residents of the State are hereby enjoined to remain law abiding, and rekindle their trust in our ability to protect them and promptly report any person or persons found to be in possession of Firearms, especially those prohibited, to the nearest Police Station or call the following Security Numbers:
1. DC OPS: 08035902114
2. DC State CID: 08033046079
3. Control Room 08032003514
4. Control Room 08028915462
5. PPRO 08033396538”, the statement concluded.