No State Has Approval For Automatic Weapons – Presidency

The Presidency says no state in the country has been authorised to buy automatic weapons for their security outfits.

Presidency Denies Authorising Some States To Buy Weapons For Security Outfits

The refutal is in reaction to the allegation by the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu that if the Federal Government could allow a security outfit in Katsina State to carry arms, then he can also do same for officers of the Western Nigeria Security Network, codenamed Amotekun.

But reacting in a statement on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesman, Garba Shehu said “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.”

Shehu also noted that “Where they fail to do so, the law enforcement agencies have been given clear directives to deal with any such outlaws.

“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.”

He explained that “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 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.”

In other news, Kanyi Daily had reported that Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State said he would purchase AK-47, AK-49 for Benue Community Volunteer Guards.