The police in Bayelsa State at the weekend inaugurated a task force to mop up illegal arms and ammunition in the creeks and other parts of the state. This is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris.
Worried by proliferation of illegal weapons, especially ahead of 2019 general election, Idris ordered commands to mop up illegal arms and ammunition.
Police Commissioner Don Awunah appointed the deputy commissioner of police in charge of operations to head the task force.
He said it was saddled with the responsibility of mopping up illegal firearms.
Awunah said the command would prosecute persons, group of persons, vigilance groups, neighbourhood watch groups and community vanguards arrested for possession of illegal weapons.
He said: “Persons or group of persons who directly or indirectly are in possession of illegal firearms or ownership of any weapon of any nature or calibre are advised to surrender them to the nearest police station within 21 days.”
Awunah said the command would prosecute persons arrested for unlawful possession of firearms and trafficking in illegal weapons as terrorists, robbers, kidnappers and cultists.
He said: “The command will embark on a crackdown on criminals. Peace-loving people should cooperate with and assist the police in ensuring that peace and security reign.”