The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has appealed to Nigerian authorities to urgently establish a framework that protects the rights of licensed shotgun owners while maintaining public safety standards.
This appeal follows Monday's media reports about troops of Sector 5 Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with the 63 Brigade and Department of State Services (DSS), intercepting a truck allegedly carrying 164,000 live shotgun cartridges in Anambra State.
In a statement issued by MBF spokesman Luka Binniyat, the Forum clarified that the seized cartridges were primarily "AA" caliber, typically used for hunting small game, and "BB" caliber, used for bird hunting—not military-grade ammunition but standard types used by licensed hunters and community volunteer guards across rural Nigeria.
Legal Context of Shotgun Ownership
"We must remind Nigerians that the possession of such cartridges is not in itself illegal," Binniyat stated, referencing the Firearms Act, Cap F28, Laws of the Federation, 2004. He emphasized that Section 8 of the Act requires individuals to possess valid licenses for ammunition, with Section 27(1)(b)(ii) outlining punishments for unlicensed possession.
The MBF highlighted that community volunteer guards, who often serve as the only protection for citizens against terrorist militias, have struggled with ammunition scarcity and rising costs over the past three years. The military's restrictions on cartridge circulation, while well-intentioned, have made it nearly impossible for even licensed individuals to obtain ammunition for lawful use.
Security Implications
Binniyat argued that these restrictions have left communities vulnerable, as terrorists and bandits continue to operate with weapons far more sophisticated than shotguns—weapons that even the military struggles to control.
While the MBF stated it does not support illegality or arms trafficking, it cautioned against approaches that effectively disarm vulnerable citizens while leaving terrorists unchecked. The Forum warned that blocking legitimate supply routes for shotgun cartridges could harm law-abiding citizens more than criminals.
"In today's Nigeria, where the security architecture is overstretched, it is simply unjust to deprive legitimate citizens of their right to self-defense," the statement noted.
Proposed Solutions
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 includes establishing approved centers nationwide where licensed 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.
The appeal was directed specifically to the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force, and allied agencies to collaborate on this framework.
