The Nigerian Senate has passed the Firearms Ammendment Bill (2004) 2021 into law.

Contained in the modified bill is the increase of the fine for illegal importation of guns and ammunition from N1000 to N1million.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters were charged with looking into the bill and making necessary changes. Upon presenting their report, the Senate passed the bill into law.

The Chairman of the Committee, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele who presented the bill, said the former fee could not do anything to deter illegal arms dealers.

He said, “Clause 39 of the Bill, which deals with power to seize and destroy confiscated and illegal firearms, was amended to provide for inclusion of other law enforcement agencies besides the Police and the military.

“This is necessary because the power to confiscate or seize illegal firearms should be all-inclusive and not limited to a particular arm of force or law enforcement agency.”