BREAKING: Presidency Replies Akeredolu, Says No State Authorised to Buy Automatic Weapons
- The presidency has reacted to Governor Akeredolu's statement on the procurement of automatic weapons for state security outfits
- In a statement on Tuesday, the presidency said no state in Nigeria is authorised to buy such weapons
- Akeredolu had earlier accused the FG of allowing Katsina to arm its local security but the presidency dismissed the claim
State House, Abuja - The presidency says no state has been issued authorisation to procure automatic weapons for its security outfits.
This was disclosed in a statement released on Tuesday, September 26, TheCable reported.
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The presidency said the illegal possession of automatic weapons and AK-47 remains illegal in the country.
The statement reads:
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“The Presidency wishes to strongly assert that there is no state, not Katsina, not any other state in the federation, that has been authorized to procure automatic weapons for their security outfits.
“Under this administration, the President has repeatedly made it clear that nobody is allowed to illegally carry AK-47 or any other automatic weapons and that they must surrender them.”
Presidency's statement a reaction to Governor Akeredolu
Legit.ng notes that the presidency's statement follows Governor Rotimi Akeredolu's expression of readiness to procure arms for operatives of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.
The governor of Ondo state had said if the federal government can allow a security outfit in Katsina to carry arms, then Amotekun should be granted the same right.
The presidency however said neither Katsina nor Ondo is allowed to purchase weapons for security outfits.
“Under the existing regulations, only the Office of the National Security Adviser can issue such authorization, upon proper clearance by the President and Commander-in-Chief and as it is at this moment, no such approvals have been issued to any state government,” the presidency said.
“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.”
The presidency added that it “appreciates the active involvement of states with security matters. 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”.
President Muhammadu Buhari was quoted as saying he has received reports “of acts of utmost bravery and professionalism” by operatives of state security outfits.
“He thanks them for their alertness that is helping to defeat nefarious plots against targets at grassroots levels,” the statement added.
Furthermore, the presidency called on leaders at various levels “to exercise restraint in their speech, even as we are in a political season”.
Akeredolu says “Amotekun corps must be given the tools”
Meanwhile, Governor Akeredolu has reiterated his administration’s stance on procuring arms and ammunition for operatives of the state’s security outfit, Amotekun.
The governor maintained that the weapon would be bound by law and would be used to fight those he described as “marauders committing crimes against humanity."
Akeredolu said the state's power must be used against “brazen conflict entrepreneurs and armed audacious non-state actors.”
Source: Legit.ng
