…Says, “possession itself not illegal.”
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Nigeria’s indigenous Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) (made up of predominantly Christians) has kicked against intercepting of a truck allegedly carrying 164,000 live shotgun cartridges, in Anambra, Eastern state of Nigeria, saying the possession of such cartridges is not in itself illegal.
The Forum said cartridges, which were displayed publicly in sacks on open ground, have been identified by those with knowledge in ammunition classification as being mostly of “AA” caliber, which is typically used for hunting small game and “BB” caliber, used primarily for bird hunting.
According to the forum’s statement, signed by its spokesman, Mr. Luka Binniyat, on Wednesday in Kaduna, it highlighted that the intercepted truck was carrying shotguns, which could be useful as vital tools for defense in many rural communities currently under siege by terrorists.
“These are not military-grade ammunition, but the standard type used by licensed hunters and community volunteer guards in rural and vulnerable areas across Nigeria,” the forum noted.
“We must remind Nigerians that the possession of such cartridges is not in itself illegal. The relevant law governing firearms in Nigeria is the Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation, 2004, and it clearly states in Section 8 that, ‘an individual must possess a valid license to hold ammunition,’ ” it stated.
The forum further stated that, “Section 27(1)(b)(ii) also outlines the punishment for possession without such a license. Therefore, possession becomes illegal only when it is not backed by lawful authorization.”
MBF, however, expressed dismay that no efforts were made (at least publicly) to clarify whether the suspects involved had legal permits or importation licenses for these cartridges, in the recent intercepted operation.
“Rather, what has been put forward is a dramatic display that may further stigmatize the legal use of shotguns, which are vital tools for defense in many rural communities currently under siege.
“The Middle-Belt Forum (MBF) notes with concern the wide media coverage Monday, of a reported interception by troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), of a truck allegedly carrying 164,000 live shotgun cartridges in Anambra State,” it stated.
“The MBF wishes to state categorically that we do not support illegality or arms trafficking.
“Our volunteer guards, who are often the only buffer between law-abiding citizens and terrorist militias, have long lamented the scarcity and soaring costs of these very cartridges in the past three years or more
“The military’s clampdown on the circulation of this ammunition the past recent years, while well-intentioned, has made it nearly impossible for even licensed individuals to obtain cartridges for lawful use.
“This has left communities exposed, as terrorists and bandits continue to operate with impunity, armed with weapons far more sophisticated than shotguns, which the military cannot control,” it stated.
The forum, however, stressed that it “strongly cautioned against any approach by security agencies or the Federal Government that ended up disarming the vulnerable, while leaving terrorists unchecked, as the military blocked possible legitimate means of supply of shotgun cartridges to legitimate users.”
Forum noted that, “In today’s Nigeria, where the security architecture is overstretched, it is simply unjust to deprive legitimate citizens of their right to self-defense.”
It, therefore, urged Federal Government to take immediate and pragmatic steps to regularize and simplify access to shotgun cartridges for all licensed owners.
“This should include establishing approved centers nationwide where such individuals, including registered local hunters and volunteer guards, can purchase cartridges legally and affordably. Such a move will not only curb the black market but also foster accountability and oversight in the use of these cartridges.
“Furthermore, the government must avoid actions that may appear to be punishing law-abiding citizens, while seemingly turning a blind eye to the heavily-armed non-state actors tormenting innocent Nigerians.
“Any security measure that undermines the ability of vulnerable communities to defend themselves plays into the hands of these enemies of peace,” it advised. MBF called on all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Defense Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force and allied agencies, to urgently initiate a framework that will protect the rights of licensed shotgun owners, while ensuring public safety, adding, “This is the only just and sensible way forward in the face of our nation’s current security realities.”