Countering Organized Crime in Nigeria

The Kano State Police Command, on Thursday, disclosed plans to begin a clampdown on blacksmiths in the state engaged in the fabrication of weapons for criminals.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mohammed Gumel, made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the efforts of the police toward dislodging hoodlums from Dala Hills in the Dala Local Government Area of the state.

“You can see the various types of knives on display and anybody, who looks at these knives would know that they were not fabricated for domestic use but rather for committing violence on human beings.

“From the edges of the knives, they have the semblance of jackknives, only be used by officers of conventional services, comprising the military and the police.

“Currently, our artisans, blacksmiths are now producing these weapons without minding the consequences but all they know is to produce and sell them to criminals at give-away prices. Thereafter, the criminals arm themselves with the weapons, which they use to attack innocent citizens and kill if they refuse to surrender their property.”

The CP disclosed that he had sent an invitation to blacksmiths for dialogue, during which they would be educated on the dangers of fabricating weapons for members of the public.

“If a customer comes to you, it is mandatory for you to confirm his trade, whether he is a butcher and what he intends to do with the weapons that he is ordering to be fabricated for him,” the CP said.

SOURCE:
Vanguard
Police hunt for Kano blacksmiths fabricating weapons for criminals
