Kogi plans clampdown on illegal firearms possession

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Kogi plans clampdown on illegal firearms possession

The Kogi State Government has began clampdown on disbanded National Task Force operating illegally in the state.

The Director General, Kogi State Special Task Force on Illegal Smuggling of Fire Arms and Other Related Crimes, Friday Makama, disclosed this on Monday shortly after a strategic meeting with the Importers Association of Nigeria Special Task Force.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Makama said it had come to the notice of the agency that arms were being smuggled into Kogi State due to the illegal operation of the disbanded NAT force.

While charging IMAN to partner the agency to stop illegal arms smuggling into Kogi State, Makama added that those involved in the illegal act would be arrested and prosecuted.

He said, “The NAT Force has been disbanded by the Federal Government. But it has come to our notice that some disgruntled elements are operating in the name of NAT Force extorting money from people and ensuring that arms are smuggled into Kogi State. We are going to put an end to this.

“With the mandate given to us by our amiable governor, we are determined to ensure that those in possession of illegal arms, including the illegal operation of the disbanded NAT Force are apprehended.”

While frowning on the impasse surrounding the operation of IMAN in Kogi State, Makama said for the agency to achieve its mandate in the state, it was important for them to unite to rid the state of criminals.

Makama stressed that the task force was committed to succeeding on the mandate of Governor Yahaya Bello, charging them to, as a matter of urgency, begin the recovery of illegal arms across the 21 local government areas of Kogi State.

“It is no longer business as usual. We are committed to stopping illegal smuggling. We can’t fold our arms and allow some individuals to polute our state with ammunition for their own selfish interest,” he added.

Responding, the Kogi State Director, Importers Association of Nigeria Special Task Force, Idris Abubakar, said IMAN needed speedboats in some riverine areas in the state to stop the smuggling of arms into the state.