Submit illegal firearms, light weapons -Delta CP urges residents

•As he assures such persons of police cover

By Hannah Nathan, Warri

The Delta State police command has urged residents in possession of illegal fire arms and light weapons to submit it to the command without further delay.

He said this was part of efforts to tame the proliferation of firearms and in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM.

This is according to a statement signed by the state police spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe and copy was sent to Congress correspondent on Sunday.

However, the Delta State Police Command had reinvigorated the call on members of the public who had illegal and prohibited firearms in their possession to render such firearms to any nearby Police Station, Area Command or the State Headquarters.

The Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Wale Abass assured all individuals involved in the wrongful possession of arms and light weapons that a wilful submission of such illegally possessed weapons to police will attract “NO SANCTION”.

This is according to him aimed at reducing the number of guns in circulation across the state, and also to stop firearms from getting into the wrong hands and being used by offenders to commit crimes on our streets or anywhere else in the country, hence keeping the State safe for all.

The police commissioner wished to state emphatically that the command had commenced an exercise to mop up all illegal and prohibited firearms in circulation across the state, adding that those who take advantage of this opportunity would not face any sanction, arrest, or harassment.

He however warned that perpetrators who refused to render their arms would not be spared and would be made to face the full wrath of the law when caught. “Hence anyone found in possession of a firearm of any type – be it a pistol, rifle, air weapon, or imitation (i.e. locally made guns, dummy guns, etc), shall be arrested and prosecuted for unlawful possession of firearm”.

The police commissioner Abass urged the residents of the state to report all suspicious firearms-related activities to their local police stations.

“You can also report through the Police Public Relations Office for prompt response and action while assuring that the identities of informants will be treated with utmost confidentiality”.

“DEDICATED LINES:

• 08036684974; 08125958005; 09053872287 (CONTROL ROOM)
• 09155570007; 09155570008 (PPRO OFFICE)”.