The Rivers State Police Command has directed Commanders of all Tactical Units to commence arms mop-up exercise across the state.
Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Joseph Mukan in a statement, said the decision to carry out the arms mop-up was in line with the directive by the Inspector General of Police rid the country of illegal possession of firearms.
Mukan also directed the Commanders and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs to enlighten local security outfits in their areas of operations.
The Rivers Police boss added that, “Area Commanders are to coordinate, Supervise and report the outcome of such Meetings to the CP with immediate effect and informed all persons and/or groups unlawfully bearing prohibited firearms to with immediate effect, submit same to the nearest Police Station, as Offenders will be arrested under the relevant Provisions of the Firearms Act.
“Following the Directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Mohamed Abubakar Adamu, on Clampdown on the Proliferation of Prohibited Firearms in the Country, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Joseph G. Mukan after a Meeting has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Tactical/Operational Departments of the Command to immediately put in place measures to identify, isolate, disarm, arrest and prosecute any person or group of persons having in his possession any of the categories of firearms prohibited by law.
“All Divisional Police Officers to with immediate Effect, organize enlightenment meetings for personnel of the OSPAC, VIGILANTE, Forest Guards, Hunters and Local Security outfits within their areas of responsibility to ensure they operate in conformity with the extant laws guiding their establishment and operations.”
The statement enjoined residents of the State “to remain law abiding, and rekindle their trust in the ability to protect them and promptly report any person or persons found to be in possession of Firearms, especially those prohibited, to the nearest Police Station.”
