Advertisement
Desktop970x250
3News
Advertisement
Desktop970x250

Nigerian state to arm residents against kidnap gangs

By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh
SHARE
1 min read
Nigerian state to arm residents against kidnap gangs

The state government believes arming civilians will help deal with rising levels of insecurity

Nigerian authorities in the north-western Zamfara state have called on locals to arm themselves against criminal gangs in an attempt to deal with the increasing numbers of kidnappings and violent attacks.

The Zamfara governor said he would issue hundreds of guns to those without training and directed the commissioner of police to issue licences.

The authorities in Zamfara state say locals will first need to register before getting a weapon.

Asking citizens to arm themselves against violent threats is always going to be controversial. But the local government believes that arming civilians will help deal with rising levels of insecurity in the area.

In other measures, the governor of Zamfara has also ordered the closure of markets in three districts, banned the use of motorcycles and sales of petroleum products.

A shoot-to-kill order has been given to anyone found using a motorcycle in these areas.

Nigeria is struggling to curb a deadly wave of kidnappings for ransom by armed gangs in the northern part of the country.

The gangs often target unprotected rural communities, schools and motorists on highways.

Source: BBC

Sign up to The Daily Briefing

Stay informed with the most relevant stories shaping Ghana and the world, every morning and evening.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy.

Share This Article

Emmanuel Kwame Amoh is an Online Editor with the current affairs team at Media General, operators of TV3 Ghana, editors.3news.com and more. Email: emmanuel.amoh@editors.3news.com

Advertisement
Desktop300x250

Up Next

Advertisement
Desktop970x250