The Jagunmolu of Somolu/Bariga Kingdom in Lagos, Oba Gbolahan Akanbi Timson, has raised serious concerns over the fate of licensed firearms seized from lawful owners, alleging that many of the weapons collected through an executive order have resurfaced in criminal hands across Lagos and parts of the South-West.
Speaking at the 2025 Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN, in Lagos, Oba Timson who was the Royal Father of the Day, said that although gun owners complied with the directive to surrender their weapons, the arms were neither returned, destroyed, nor properly accounted for.
Licensed firearms back in Lagos
According to him, firearms collected from individuals with valid five-year licences were taken from divisional police offices to state commands, then to the office of the Inspector-General of Police, and eventually transferred to Abuja, a process he described as opaque and troubling.
“Those guns were seized not because they were unlicensed or used to commit crimes, but simply because an executive order was issued,” he said.
“Today, some of those guns have found their way back into Lagos in the wrong hands. They were not destroyed, and they were not returned. Yet they are now being used by people who never bought them or held any certification.”
The royal father warned that the circulation of such weapons was worsening insecurity, enabling armed groups in communities to operate with impunity and intimidate residents.
Call for investigation on licensed firearms
He challenged crime reporters to investigate how licensed arms seized under the executive directive were diverted back into public spaces, insisting that accountability was necessary to curb the rising misuse of firearms.
“When licensed guns taken through official channels begin to appear with criminal elements, insecurity cannot be controlled,” he said.
“This is a matter that must be exposed and thoroughly probed.”
Oba Timson further urged journalists to revive the courage and investigative rigour that once defined crime reporting in Nigeria, noting that fearless media scrutiny remains essential to uncovering failures in the country’s security system.
Address security challenges with modern technological solutions – CRAN to FG
In his welcome address, the President of CRAN, Mr. Olalekan Olabulo, highlighted the importance of technology in solving the nation’s mirage of security issues said in the about 30 years of existence of the Association, it has consistently discussed security issues and proffered some solutions.
According to him, this year’s edition presents another opportunity for deep reflection on Nigeria’s security journey.
Speaking at the event, Olabulo said: “The current security challenges facing the country require innovative and proactive approaches.
“Technology has revolutionised the way crimes are committed and investigated. It’s high time our security agencies tap into this potential.”
Olabulo highlighted the importance of surveillance systems, forensic analysis, and data analytics in modern policing, noting that the need for inter-agency collaboration and information sharing to combat transnational crimes.
“The Nigerian Police Force, Department of State Services, and other security agencies must work together to develop a comprehensive strategy that incorporates technology to prevent, detect, and investigate crimes,” he stressed.
He also called on the federal government to provide the necessary funding and support to enable security agencies to acquire and deploy modern technological solutions.
“The fight against violent crime requires a collective effort,” he concluded.
“We urge the government and security agencies to take proactive steps to leverage technology and ensure the safety and security of Nigerians.”
The call by the CRAN President comes amid growing concerns over the rising incidence of violent crimes in Nigeria, with many calling for innovative solutions to address the challenge.
“This year, we will be looking at how we can harness technological innovation to prevent and control crime. Technology is the main thing in town now.
“There is nothing we can do now without technology. We want to tell the government, the President of Nigeria, and heads of agencies to deploy technology against security. There are a lot of tools we can use to fight security in Nigeria.
“There is data analytics, there is good technology, there is AI, and there are apps that we can use to fight security in Nigeria. The government, as a matter of urgency and necessity, deployed technology. We have continued to lose our security agents.
“You can also use information technology and other things to fight crime. Another thing we also do during our work is to honour officers who have done excellently well in the area of security. We have carefully chosen our recipients for this year, and nobody can fault them” he added.
https://casefileng.com/2025/11/26/homeinteriorsng-donates-spectator-stand/: Royal Father Raises Alarm Over Licensed Firearms In Wrong Hands
