CONTROL AND REGULATION OF POSSESSION, USE AND DEALING IN FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION UNDER THE NIGERIA’S FIREARMS ACT

Abstract

Firearms and ammunitions are a class of dangerous items and substance that if not in strict control and regulation in their possession, manufacture, dealing in and use, can be inimical to man’s existence and his environment. They are however essential in providing security and the defence of aggression. Every country acquires firearms and ammunition for the armed forces, security agencies and even for personal use and laws and measures are put in place to control and regulate their possession, dealing in and uses. Obviously in Nigeria today, it seems there are no laws controlling and regulating the dealing in, possession and use of firearms and ammunitions as daily, there are experiences of their near uncontrolled use and application leading to wanton loss of lives and property of citizens. This study is therefore inspired by this worrisome situation and aim at having a thorough insight into the efficacy or otherwise of the Firearms Act particularly now that Nigeria is fast regressing into a lawless society. The objectives of the Firearms Act and how far the Act has helped in controlling and regulating the use of firearms in Nigeria shall also be considered. It is the finding of this study that the Firearms Act and some other gun laws in Nigeria are under applied and inadequately enforced. It is therefore recommended that, proper education, training on the control and regulation of the possession and use of firearms and ammunition, motivation and equipment be availed the law-enforcement personnel for better performance.