All active gun licences suspended nationwide amid major security review

The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Muntaka Mubarak, has announced the immediate suspension of all active gun licences, citing growing public safety risks and gaps in the current firearms licensing system.

Speaking in an interview on Joy FM on June 23, 2026, he said the directive takes effect from 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, 2026.

“We've realised a new phenomenon, which is threatening public safety. The affluent, like you and I, are registering these guns and they have them. And now, in the last three months, we've seen three affluent persons that have used it to commit suicide. We are realising that what we think that was lacking, we don't do mental health, we don't do drug tests, and we don't also train.

"When I was going to register it, they didn't do any mental help for me. They didn't check whether I'm on drugs...The law mandates me, even when I give you a license, at any time that I think that it could be a threat to the public," he stated.

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He said under the proposed reforms, firearm licensing will be reopened under stricter conditions.

"Applicants will be required to undergo a mental health assessment through the Mental Health Authority, drug screening conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission and mandatory firearms handling training at approved facilities, including the Tesano Shooting Range," he stated.

The Interior Minister explained that once applicants successfully complete these assessments, licences will be reissued under renewed regulatory oversight.

He indicated that all existing licences will be deactivated immediately, after which a new application window will open for eligible gun owners who meet the revised requirements.

The overhaul, he said, is aimed at strengthening national security, improving responsible gun ownership, and preventing further misuse of firearms.

JKB/VPO

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