By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Nigeria’s indigenous Middle Belt Forum (MBF), predominantly representing Christian communities, has condemned the recent interception of a truck allegedly carrying 164,000 live shotgun cartridges in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria, stating that possession of such cartridges is not inherently illegal.
The forum said the cartridges, displayed publicly in sacks on an open ground, were identified by ammunition experts as mostly “AA” caliber, typically used for hunting small game, and “BB” caliber, primarily for bird hunting.
In a statement signed by its spokesman, Mr. Luka Binniyat, on Wednesday in Kaduna, the forum highlighted that the intercepted truck was carrying shotguns, which are vital tools for defense in many rural communities currently under siege by terrorists.
“These are not military-grade ammunition but standard types used by licensed hunters and community volunteer guards in vulnerable rural areas across Nigeria,” the forum said.
“We must remind Nigerians that possession of such cartridges is not illegal by itself. The Firearms Act, Cap F28 Laws of the Federation, 2004, clearly states in Section 8 that an individual must possess a valid license to hold ammunition,” the statement added.
It further noted, “Section 27(1)(b)(ii) outlines punishment for possession without such a license. Therefore, possession becomes illegal only when it is not backed by lawful authorization.”
However, MBF expressed dismay that no public efforts have been made to clarify whether the suspects involved had legal permits or importation licenses for the cartridges in the recent interception.
“Instead, what we have seen is a dramatic display that risks stigmatizing the legal use of shotguns, which are essential for defense in many rural communities under threat,” the forum said.
The MBF expressed concern over the wide media coverage on Monday of a reported interception by troops of Sector 5 of Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the 63 Brigade and the Department of State Services (DSS), of a truck allegedly carrying the cartridges in Anambra.
The forum clarified that it does not support illegality or arms trafficking.
“Our volunteer guards, often the only buffer between law-abiding citizens and terrorist militias, have long lamented the scarcity and soaring costs of these cartridges over the past three years,” MBF said.
It added that the military’s clampdown on ammunition circulation, while well-intentioned, has made it nearly impossible for licensed individuals to obtain cartridges for lawful use.
“This has left communities exposed as terrorists and bandits operate with far more sophisticated weapons that the military struggles to control,” the forum stated.
MBF strongly cautioned against any security approach by agencies or the Federal Government that would disarm vulnerable communities while leaving terrorists unchecked.
“In today’s Nigeria, where the security architecture is overstretched, it is unjust to deprive legitimate citizens of their right to self-defense,” it said.
The forum urged the Federal Government to take immediate, pragmatic steps to regularize and simplify access to shotgun cartridges for licensed owners.
“This should include establishing approved centers nationwide where registered local hunters and volunteer guards can legally and affordably purchase cartridges. Such a move will curb the black market and promote accountability and oversight,” MBF advised.
It further called on the government to avoid measures that punish law-abiding citizens while ignoring heavily armed non-state actors terrorizing Nigerians.
“Any security policy that weakens vulnerable communities’ ability to defend themselves only benefits the enemies of peace,” the forum warned.
MBF appealed to all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, the Nigeria Police Force, and allied agencies, to urgently create a framework that protects licensed shotgun owners’ rights while ensuring public safety.
“This is the only just and sensible way forward given Nigeria’s current security challenges,” the forum concluded.
