The proliferation of firearms in Nigeria has been a subject of concern not only for well-intentioned Nigerians but also for the Nigeria Police Force.
Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun recently ordered various state police commands to recover arms in the hands of uncertified bearers including politicians and very important persons (VIPs) across the country.
This comes as security analyst Charles Inko-Tariah expresses concern about the proliferation of firearms in Rivers State, following a recent viral video in which a gang and their leader David Okpara popularly known as 2Baba, wanted in the killing of Rivers State's Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ahoada, SP Bako Angbashim, are seen brandishing firearms.
According to Inko-Tariah, two significant sources contribute to the surge in firearms within the state: politicians seeking firepower before elections and the involvement of International Oil Companies (IOCs) in security arrangements to secure their facilities.
He suggests that addressing these sources and tightening the borders through which arms are procured will solve the problem of the proliferation of guns in the region.
“Nigeria is one of the biggest markets for gun runners across Africa and the world as a whole, and our borders are so porous and open that arms can come in freely,” he said.
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