Ambode orders return of illegal arms in four weeks

THE Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday issued a four-week ultimatum to miscreants and persons in possession of illegal arms and weapons in the state to return them or face the wrath of law.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Kayode Aderanti, who spoke with reporters after the inaugural Security Council meeting presided over by the governor, said the major crux of the meeting was the charge by the governor to all security agencies to mop up all illegal arms and weapons often deployed by unscrupulous persons to terrorise innocent citizens.

Aderanti said Ambode was deeply concerned about the safety of life and property in the state and urged all security agencies to ensure that Lagos is rid of criminals and hoodlums.

According to him: “It was a very comprehensive meeting, very exhaustive and we were able to have an overview of all the security issues involved in the state.

We reviewed the security architecture of the state generally and we came to the conclusion that we need to work harder to assure the people of Lagos State that under his watch, the state will continue to remain safe and investors’ destination.

“In doing that, he (Ambode) further directed that we (security agencies) are going to give an ultimatum to all individuals who are in possession of illegally-acquired weapons that are not licensed.

We are giving them four-week ultimatum, they should hand over all the weapons that are in their possession to all the area commanders in the state and after four weeks, we intend to take steps.

“We intend to do these in order to rid the state of weapons that we have been termed weapons of mass destruction because they are using them against innocent people, our children, brothers, fathers and mothers.”