No state is authorized to buy automatic weapons – Presidency
The controversy over arms purchases for state-owned security units has been reopened by the presidency.
Malam Garba Shehu (Senior Special Assistant to President on Media and Publicity), stated in a Tuesday statement that no one is allowed to illegally possess AK-47s and other automatic weapons and that they must surrender…….Continue Reading
According to the presidency, the Office of the National Security Adviser is the only authorized authority under the current regulation. This authorization can be issued by the Commander-in-Chief and President.
The presidency also said that “no such approvals have been issued to any state government.”
The statement read;
“In the specific Katsina State often cited, the Governor, Aminu Bello Masari wrote to explain that the administration invited the Provost of the Civil Defence Training College in Katsina to train their Vigilantes for a five-day period ‘in the handling and operations of Pump Action Rifles,’ emphasizing that ‘the Vigilantes were not trained to take over the responsibilities of the security agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria but to assist them.’
“As they continue to expand their capabilities as well as their active collaboration with law enforcement agencies of the federation, the joint efforts continue to yield good results, thwarting attempts of terrorists to wreak havoc and destruction on communities.
“The President in particular has expressed happiness that in the last couple of years, security outfits mandated by state governments have been associated with several important initiatives, and reports have reached him of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism.
“He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels.
“He, however, cautions against the politicization of security.
“Government at the centre with a national mandate cannot afford to alienate Ondo State or any other state for that matter on the important issue of security and urges leaders at various levels to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season.”
