NACSA Warns: Arrests and Prosecution Await Those Who Fail to Surrender Illegal Firearms After January 30 Deadline
The Acting Executive Secretary of the National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA), Dr. Adams Bonaa, has issued a stern warning that security agencies will arrest and prosecute individuals who fail to surrender their illegal firearms and ammunition after the amnesty deadline.
Speaking to Adom News reporter Jagri Boaz Binyinjom as the gun amnesty enters its final day, Dr. Bonaa stated:
“The grace period is over. After the deadline, anyone found in possession of illegal guns or ammunition will be arrested and dealt with according to the law.”
He explained that although the initial deadline ended on January 15, 2026, the government extended it to January 30, 2026, following appeals from traditional leaders.
“The first phase ended on January 15, but we extended the exercise because some traditional leaders appealed for more time. So no one can say they did not hear about the amnesty,” he said.
Dr. Bonaa noted that full enforcement operations will begin immediately after the deadline.
“From tomorrow, full enforcement will begin. Anyone still holding guns or ammunition should surrender them now,” he warned.
Providing an update on the exercise, Dr. Bonaa revealed that the initiative has recorded significant success.
“So far, we have received more than 3,000 weapons and several rounds of ammunition. This shows that the exercise has been very effective,” he stated.
He reminded the public that the gun amnesty was announced by the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, and took effect from December 1, 2025.
Dr. Bonaa further cautioned that persons found with unlicensed firearms risk imprisonment if they fail to pay the required fines.
“If you are found with an illegal firearm and you cannot pay the fines, you will be imprisoned. People should not wait until after the deadline,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the initiative will help reduce crime and gun-related violence and called on the public to cooperate with authorities.
“This exercise is meant to make our communities safer. We urge everyone to cooperate so we can maintain peace and security across the country,” Dr. Bonaa added.
The gun amnesty is part of broader national efforts to curb illegal arms proliferation, reduce violent crime, and enhance public safety. NACSA and security agencies have urged all individuals in possession of unlicensed firearms or ammunition to take advantage of the final hours to surrender them voluntarily at designated police stations or military barracks before the January 30, 2026 deadline
