What Is The Current Position Of Law On Gun Possession?

Can You Legally Own a Gun In Nigeria?

Guns are also known as firearms under Nigeria law and have been in existence since 10th century because of the need for personal securities. Countries in the world regulate firearm in their Society.

Recently, a senator proposed a bill that will enable civilians to own and carry firearms for the purpose of self defense. Nigeria individuals are allowed to have their personal firearm in as much he or she have the license from the president or the inspector general of police. It is now legal for Nigeria civilians to carry “Personal firearms” but it must be licensed by the people mentioned above.

What Is The Meaning Of Possession Of a Firearm?

A person who has direct physical control of something on or around his or her person is then in actual possession of it. A person who is not in actual possession but who has both the power and the intention to exercise control over something is in constructive possession of it.

  Which particular law regulate possession of Gun in Nigeria?

The Firearms control act No 32 of 1959 Cap. F. 28 laws of federation of Nigeria 2004 has been responsible for the control of firearms in Nigeria for the last Sixty-seven years. The act provides that no person shall have in his possession or under his control any firearms or ammunition except such person has licensed from the president or the inspector general of police.

Who Are those that are Not Allowed To Carry Firearms?

(1). Applicants under the age of Seventeen.

(2). Person of unsound mind.

(3). Person not fit to have possession of the firearm in question on account of defective eyesight and

(4). Person of intemperate habit.

What are the Safety Way Of Using a Firearms?

1. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

This is the most basic safety rule. If anyone handled a firearm so carefully that the muzzle never pointed at something they didn’t intend to shoot, there would be virtually no firearms accidents. Never pointed at anything you never intended to shoot.

 2. Firearms should be unloaded when not actually in use.

When you are not targeting range or shooting area, or ready to shoot, firearms shouldn’t be loaded. Firearms and ammunition should be secured in a safe place separate from each other. It is your responsibility to prevent children and unauthorized adults from gaining access to firearm or ammunition. Unload your gun as soon as you are finished.

  3. Be sure of your target and what beyond it.

No one can call a shot back, once a gun fires you have given up all control over where the shot will go it what it will strike. Don’t shot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike.

4. Use Correct ammunition.

You must assumed serious responsibility of using only correct ammunition for your firearm.

  5. Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.

All shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and some form of hearing protectors while shooting. Exposure is shooting noise can damage hearing and adequate vision.

   6. Learn the mechanical and Handling characteristics of the firearm you are using.

  Not all firearms are the same. The method of carrying and handling firearms varies in accordance with the mechanical characteristics of each gun. Since gun can be so different, never handle any firearm without first having thoroughly familiarize yourself with the particular type of firearm you are using.

  7. Don’t alter or modify your gun, and have serviced regularly.

Firearm are complicated mechanisms that are designed by experts to function properly in their original condition. Any alter or change made to a firearm after manufacture can make the gun dangerous and will usually void any factory warranties.

The list is not exhaustive, there are many measures safeguarding using firearms which users must be careful of because mistakes is not a valid defense under the law.

  Final thought.

The law governing possession of firearms is a strict liability and shouldn’t be taken with levity because Section 33(1) of Nigeria Constitution provide for right of life for every Citizen of a country. Even though Section 33(2) (a) gives private citizens the authority to use reasonable force to defend themselves from unlawful violence but the term “reasonable force” will be considered by court.

According to a united nation report on August 3rd 2016, it was said that the illegality Of Firearms among unlicensed individual in Nigeria still accounts 70% of illegal guns in West Africa.