Solomon Arase
– The inspector general of police Solomon Arase says the police will henceforth arrest and prosecute any herdsman found carrying guns
– Arase says the move became necessary following reports that Fulani herdsmen use guns whenever they are embroiled in violent clashes with farmers over grazing areas for their cattle
– Encourages Nigerians to provide information on illegal arms across the country
The Nigerian police have declared war on Fulani herdsmen bearing arms following wave of attacks by herdsmen across the country.
The inspector general of police, Solomon Arase speaking through the through the force public relations officer, Bisi Kolawole, told The Punch that the police will henceforth arrest and prosecute any herdsman found carrying guns.
He said the move became necessary following reports that Fulani herdsmen use dangerous weapons such as AK47 and other guns whenever they are embroiled in violent clashes with farmers over grazing areas for their cattle.
Arase said the police do not issue firearms to unqualified persons and encouraged Nigerians to provide information on illegal arms across the country.
“We have always confisticated 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 boss said via a text message from Kolawole.
“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 added.
Meanwhile, the federal government has said that the Boko Haram terrorist sect are taking advantage of the frequent clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country to terrorize Nigerians.
Abdulrahaman Dambazau, the minister of interior disclosed this in Abuja at the opening ceremony of a stakeholders meeting on pastorialists/sedentary farmers conflict in Nigeria on Thursday, April 14.
