Police Seize 182 Illicit Arms and 430 Ammunition in One Month

The Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has disclosed that the police force has recovered 182 sophisticated arms and 430 ammunition of various calibers in one month.

This announcement comes ahead of the governorship and State Assembly elections scheduled for Saturday. In response, the IGP has ordered a continuous mop-up of illicit arms and ammunition in the country.

The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, revealing the details of the IGP’s order.

All commands and formations have been instructed to intensify efforts towards curbing the proliferation of illicit arms and ammunition in the country.

He said: “The IGP confirmed that within one month from the handover of previously recovered arms and ammunition to the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) on the 16th of February, 2023, the Nigeria Police has recovered additional 182 sophisticated arms and 430 ammunitions of various calibres.”

Baba has also provided increased personnel and logistical assistance to commands and formations around the nation in preparation for the upcoming gubernatorial and state Houses of Assembly elections on Saturday, March 18, 2023.

Personnel, operating vehicles, non-lethal weapons, personal protection equipment (body armor), and anti-riot equipment are among the extra resources provided.

the statement further avowed: “In the same vein, the IGP has ordered the continuous mop-up of illicit arms and ammunition across the nation as part of efforts of the Force, as the lead agency in internal security management, to curb the trafficking of illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) within the country and mitigate any form of insecurity or threats to the ongoing electoral processes and general safety of Nigeria.”