Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Ayuba Elkana has stated that the embargo on firearms licence is still in force.
He also added that the state government had stopped issuing gun licenses to citizens.
The police boss stated this on Sunday in response to the latest declaration of the state government that asked residents to obtain guns and defend themselves against marauding herdsmen and other criminal elements.
Reacting to the directive, the state commissioner of police said he has yet to receive any directive to issue gun licences to the people.
In an interview, Elkana said, “I have not received any directives and also, there is a ban on firearms licence and we don’t give licence.
“I am yet to receive any directive. Let me see the directive first before I can comment. I have not seen the directive, so I cannot comment on compliance.”
Asked if the government’s decision was a vote of no confidence on the police, the CP replied, “There is nothing like vote of no confidence, please. This is farming season and you cannot get police or any security to be following everybody to the farm. They are attacking people on the farm; that is the problem. It is not as if we are not doing our best; we are doing our best. Of recent, we rescued many people from bandits”