Following sustained public outcry over incessant attacks by armed Fulani herdsmen on their host communities and farmers, the Nigeria Police Force has vowed to arrest and prosecute any herdsmen found to be in possession of guns without police license.
Amid accusations that Fulani herdsmen use assault rifles like AK47 and other high caliber guns whenever they are involved in clashes with farmers over grazing areas, the police said that it does not issue gun licenses to herdsmen.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase told Saturday Punch that any herdsman found to be in possession of a firearm would be arrested and prosecuted according to the law.
“We have always confiscated illegal and prohibited firearms and prosecute those arrested. Police cannot issue firearms licence to herdsmen. We are encouraging citizens to provide information on illegal arms across the country. Public safety is the absolute priority.
“The Police cannot issue out firearms licence to anyone that is not qualified to possess firearms. There are procedures to obtain firearms licence; if you don’t follow the procedure and you don’t meet the requirements, you will not be granted the approval to possess one,” he said.
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