The Nigeria Police Force has warned the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) against bearing arms in self defence. This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesperson, Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Olabisi Kolawale, in Abuja on Thursday.
The statement said the warning became necessary because of a publication credited to the group telling its members to carry arms in self defence.
“The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a publication credited to the Indigenous People of Biafra ‘to carry guns in self defence’.
“The Inspector-General of Police has sternly warned members of the IPOB to reconsider their stand or face the wrath of the extant laws on bearing of firearms,“ it said.
It warned that anybody who dared security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities would face dare consequences of his actions.
The statement cautioned IPOB members to follow appropriate avenues in ventilating their grievances.
It reminded the group that it was an offence punishable under the criminal Law of the Federation of Nigeria for a person to have in his possession or under his control any prohibited firearms without license or permit.
“The IPOB are advised to be guided in respect of the above as the Police Force is poised to uphold the existing restriction over the use of firearms,“ it said.
Meanwhile, all Zonal AIGs and State Commands CPs have been directed to strictly enforce the laws against the use of illegal firearms across the country.
Arase has assured that the Police, complemented by other security agencies in the country, would tirelessly and assiduously work toward eliminating any threat to internal security and social disorder.
He reassured Nigerians of his commitment to their safety and security.