NAOSNP Conference: Individuals Empowered to Make Arrests – Force PRO

The Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Police, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has affirmed that individuals have the authority to arrest offenders. ACP Adejobi made this declaration during a panel session at a security conference organized by the National Association of Online Security News Publishers. The conference, themed “Proliferation of Lethal Weapons as Security Threat: Arm-Full, Harm-Full,” took place on Thursday, September 21, 2023, in Lagos.

According to Adejobi, Section 12 of the Criminal Code grants ordinary Nigerians the power to apprehend wrongdoers. He highlighted the alarming proliferation of small arms and emphasized that anyone wishing to possess such weapons must be licensed by the appropriate government agency.

“The law grants military personnel and law enforcement agencies the right to bear arms. However, it is alarming to see many individuals in possession of firearms without the necessary licenses,” he stated.

Adejobi also pointed out that even traditional dane guns, commonly used by hunters in villages across the country, should be licensed as mandated by the government. While these weapons are often considered part of the country’s cultural heritage, they must still adhere to licensing regulations.

“In Nigeria, many individuals desire to possess firearms for various reasons, and this is at the root of the current problem we face,” he noted.

The Force PRO revealed that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), certain security chiefs, and intelligence agents are members of the National Center for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, headed by a retired army general. This center is responsible for retrieving illegal arms, including those smuggled into the country from neighboring nations, stolen from security personnel, or acquired unlawfully.

Adejobi expressed particular concern about the local fabrication of AK47 rifles in some parts of Nigeria, which he claimed could rival imported firearms. He explained that the challenging terrain in Plateau State, where some of these guns are manufactured, hinders law enforcement officers’ access. He urged Nigerians to unite against these syndicates involved in illegal arms production.

ACP Adejobi called on all uniformed personnel in the country to stand together and support one another. He cited a recent incident in Imo State where army, police, and civil defense officers were ambushed and killed, emphasizing that the attacks spared no personnel, including unarmed road safety officials.

This declaration highlights the importance of adhering to legal procedures when dealing with lawbreakers, underscoring the responsibility of ordinary citizens to ensure the rule of law prevails.