The Middle Belt Forum, MBF, has called on all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force, and allied agencies, to urgently initiate a framework that will protect the rights of licensed shotgun owners while ensuring public safety.
The Forum noted with concern the widespread media coverage on Monday of a reported interception by troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), of a truck allegedly carrying 164,000 live shotgun cartridges in Anambra State.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Luka Binniyat, the MBF explained that the cartridges, which were displayed publicly in sacks and on open ground, have been identified by those with knowledge in ammunition classification as being mostly of the “AA” caliber, typically used for hunting small game and “BB” caliber, which is used primarily for bird hunting.
He added, “These are not military-grade ammunition but the standard type used by licensed hunters and community volunteer guards in rural and vulnerable areas across Nigeria.
“We must remind Nigerians that the possession of such cartridges is not in itself illegal.”
The spokesman noted that the relevant law governing firearms in Nigeria is the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004.
He emphasized that Section 8 clearly states an individual must possess a valid license to hold ammunition, and Section 27(1)(b)(ii) outlines the punishment for possession without such a license.
He said, “Our volunteer guards, who are often the only buffer between law-abiding citizens and terrorist militias, have long lamented the scarcity and soaring costs of these very cartridges over the past three years or more.
“The military’s clampdown on the circulation of this ammunition in recent years, while well-intentioned, has made it nearly impossible for even licensed individuals to obtain cartridges for lawful use.”
Binniyat argued that this has left communities exposed, as terrorists and bandits continue to operate with impunity, armed with weapons far more sophisticated than shotguns—arms the military itself struggles to control.
The MBF stated categorically that it does not support illegality or arms trafficking but cautioned against any approach by security agencies or the Federal Government that ends up disarming the vulnerable while leaving terrorists unchecked.
It warned that the military’s blockade of possible legitimate supply routes for shotgun cartridges could harm law-abiding citizens more than criminals.
In today’s Nigeria, the statement observed, where the security architecture is overstretched, it is simply unjust to deprive legitimate citizens of their right to self-defense.
The MBF urged the Federal Government to take immediate and pragmatic steps to regularize and simplify access to shotgun cartridges for all licensed owners.
“This should include establishing approved centers nationwide where such individuals, including registered local hunters and volunteer guards, can purchase cartridges legally and affordably. Such a move will not only curb the black market but also foster accountability and oversight in the use of these cartridges,” Binniyat explained.
