FG, curb illegal arms possession

All over the country, small and light weapons or even sophisticated weapons are in the hands of criminals. A case in point is that of the so-called nomadic herdsmen who have been known to commit the most atrocious crimes across the country.

The trail of sorrow, tears and blood left by the herdsmen wherever they have launched attacks, particularly since the current administration, is too frightening to even think of. However, if the Nigerian state had closely monitored the issue of illegal arms purchase and distribution in the country, it would have reduced the herdsmen’s onslaught to the barest minimum.

If anyone was in doubt about illegal arms possession in the country, recent events have clearly erased such doubts. For instance, recently, the Nigeria Customs Service handed over the 661 pump action rifles seized by its roving team of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A, Ikeja, to the Department of State Security (DSS) for further investigation.

The NCS indicated that the rifles were laden in a Mack truck with registration number BDG 265 XG conveying a 1x40ft container with Number: PONU/825914/3 before it was intercepted along Mile 2, Apapa road in Lagos.

When the truck was taken to the premises of FOU Zone A, Ikeja, lo and behold, physical examination revealed 49 boxes containing a total number of 661 pieces of pump action rifles concealed with steel doors and other merchandise goods.

Although the NCS then boasted that the interception of the arms was a clear indication of how committed and dedicated it had become to the economic, security and wellbeing of the country, I believe that more needs to be done to rid the country of illegal arms possession and use. There is currently a lot of tension in the country caused by the economic recession in the country and if obtaining arms becomes an easy thing to do, unemployed and desperate youths can cash in on the situation to wreak more havoc on the populace.

This would be quite catastrophic because Nigerians are already going through one of the most difficult periods in their lives and it would be highly unfortunate if the government failed to protect them at this time, after apparently failed to live up to billing.

I would like to enjoin the security agencies to work together and ensure that illegal arms possession is reduced to the barest minimum if not completely eradicated.

Joseph Michael

Abuja.