Submission Of Illegal Arms Won’t Attract Sanction – Delta CP

Odili Ogochukwu –

Delta State Commissioner of Police, Wale Abass has urged the residents of the state to submit illegal arms and weapons to command, assuring that it won’t result to sanctioning.

This is contained in a statement by the state command spokesman, DSP Edafe Bright, obtained by Africa Investigative Magazine on September 24, 2023.

CP Abass called on individuals in possession of illegal and prohibited firearms to submit them to nearby police stations, Area Command or the state police headquarters.

According to him, the decision conformed with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun to tame illegal firearms in the country.

The statement reads: “As 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, the Delta State Police Command calls on members of the public who have 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 assures 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 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 CP wishes to state emphatically that the command has commenced an exercise to mop up all illegal and prohibited firearms in circulation across the state; noting that those who take advantage of this opportunity will not face any sanction, arrest, or harassment. He however warned that perpetrators who refuse to render their arms will not be spared and will 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.

“CP Wale Abass urges the residents to report all suspicious firearms-related activities to their local police stations. They 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,” he said

It added that dedicated lines to this effect were 08036684974, 08125958005, and 09053872287.

Others were the control room 09155570007, and 09155570008 (PPRO OFFICE).