Government places temporary ban on use of firearms at celebratory events

A temporary ban has been imposed by the Ministry of the Interior on the use of firearms during celebratory events in the country.

Addressing the nation on the initiative to declare a gun amnesty on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, the Minister of Interior, Mohammed-Mubarak Muntaka, stated that the ban is intended to help streamline the use of illegal firearms, which are often discharged during certain events.

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He further disclosed that throughout the six-week amnesty period, events must not serve as platforms for individuals to display or parade such arms illegally.

“Temporal ban on the use of firearms in traditional celebration, and this is something that is so important to us. We've engaged all our regional ministers and we've tasked our regional ministers to get all our regional house of chiefs and our opinion leaders to know, whilst this amnesty lasts, it doesn't really matter whether what you have is licensed or not,” he said.

The minister continued, “We just want to silence the gun in these six weeks so, during funerals, festivals, all the celebrations, we just don't want to see any gun there and we are putting in very vigorous measures. We don't want to have any confrontation with any traditional authority. Please bear with us and let us be able to streamline these illicit arms that are in our hands.”

Muntaka also highlighted the abuse of firearms, noting that while gunpowder was traditionally used during festivals and similar events, people now illegally carry guns to such gatherings, posing a danger to the public.

He cautioned against violating the directive, adding that enforcement of the ban will be carried out vigorously.

“We all know that it is gunpowder that were usually used for these celebrations. Today, during these celebrations, you'll see pump action, pistols and in some instances, we even see AK-47 and G3s being bundled at funerals, and other ceremonies. We are saying that during these six weeks, it doesn't really matter whether it is gunpowder, whatever it is, please bear with us and observe the ban because we are going to enforce this vigorously,” he said.

Muntaka also shared that additional measures have been implemented to ensure the successful execution of the gun amnesty, including the suspension of permits for new firearms.

Furthermore, a six-week amnesty period has been declared to allow individuals to surrender their arms without facing prosecution.

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“To ensure lasting impact, the following measures will accompany the gun amnesty. A six-week amnesty window for voluntary surrender of the illicit arms which is from the 1st of December to the 15th of January. Suspension of issuing new firearms permit for importation and sales during this amnesty, so those who want to venture into the business and want to have new license, they will have to wait until after this period.”

MAG/EB

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