171 Illegal Firearms, 795 Ammunitions, 131 Cartridges Recovered In Plateau

Yakubu Busari

The Plateau State Police Commissioner, Undie Adie has paraded syndicate who specialized in armed robbery and dealing snatching of cars in the state.

While speaking with newsmen in Jos on Friday, Adie lamented the rising cases of small armed and ammunition in the hands of unlicensed people.

According to him, “he said the exercise is in compliance with the directive by the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to all State Commands nationwide to mop up illegal arms for a safer Nigeria”.

CP Adie also disclosed that the command has given a “window period” for the voluntary submission of illegal and prohibited firearms by members of the public which elapses on the April 30, 2018.

The Plateau State Police Command has vowed to clamp down on owners of illegal arms across the state before the expiration dateline issue by the federal government on arms and ammunition.

Pointing out that,” So far, 171 illegal firearms, 795 rounds of live ammunitions and 131 cartridges have been mopped up from different locations through volunteering surrender by communities.

While those who have handed over the arms and those who intend to do so before the window period closes are not to be arrested, the Police Chief said anyone found to be in possession of illegal firearm after the window period would be dealt with according to the law.

He added that the state command has concluded plans to commence thorough search of areas suspected to be housing such items towards recovering them and arresting the culprits.

He therefore warned that anyone yet to surrender his illegally acquired and/or prohibited firearm should do so before the Force begins its combing exercise.

The CP during the briefing paraded suspects arrested in connection with various crimes including car theft and murder among others.