No license for firearms, CP replies Zamfara gov

Sequel to the directive given by the Zamfara State Government that its citizens should procure licensed guns, the State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana, has reminded the government that the embargo on firearms licence is still in force.

Elkana, during an interview with The PUNCH, noted that the police have stopped issuing licence to citizens who wished to own guns.

The Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, had in a statement on Sunday, said, “Government has, henceforth, directed individuals to prepare and obtain guns to defend themselves against the bandits, as the government has directed the state commissioner of police to issue a license to all those who qualify and are wishing to obtain such guns to defend themselves.

“Government is ready to facilitate people, especially our farmers, to secure basic weapons for defending themselves. The government has already concluded an arrangement to distribute 500 forms to each of the 19 emirates in the state for those willing to obtain guns to defend themselves.

“People must apply to the Commissioner of Police to own guns and such other basic weapons to be used in defending themselves. A secretariat or centre will be established for the collection of intelligence on the activities of informants.”

But reacting to the directive, the state commissioner of police said he has yet to receive any directive to issue gun licences to the people.

Elkana said, “I have not received any directives and also, there is a ban on firearms licence and we don’t give licence.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, declined comment on the matter when contacted.