Niger Police Command Bans Carrying of Guns by Fulani Herdsmen

Laleye Dipo in Minna

The Niger State Police command has started a fresh war against Fulani herdsmen in a desperate bid to check kidnapping and cattle rustling.

They have outlawed the carrying of arms and ammunition by the Fulani herdsmen under any guise.

The decision of the police to ban the carrying of arms by the herdsmen followed an increase in the number of firearms recovered from the pastoralists in the last six months.

Police spokesman, ASP Bala Elikana, told newsmen in Minna on Tuesday that in the last six months, 20 AK-47 rifles, 70 Dane guns, 30 double-barrel guns and 1000 rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the herdsmen.

Elikana said the police are aware that the herdsmen did not need firearms, adding: “What we know they need and carry is sticks and cutlasses, they don’t need guns to guide their animals.”

The Police spokesman said any of the herdsmen who contravenes the directive would be treated like criminals and also prosecuted under the fire arms act of the country.

“Legally, we are not aware they are carrying guns. If they are nursing such desires they should drop it or face the full wrath of the law,” he said. “We are aware they carry sticks and cutlasses to guide their cattle and nothing more.”

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