The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun a structured and lawful withdrawal of service firearms from retiring personnel in the country.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, disclosed this at a meeting with NAF Veterans on Saturday in Abuja.
Aneke, who was represented at the event by the Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Anthony Martins, said the exercise was not punitive but an administrative necessity to ensure compliance with the Firearms Act while safeguarding retired personnel and the wider society.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to retrieve all service-issued weapons from retiring officers and airmen, particularly senior citizens, to prevent risks associated with misuse, diversion or improper storage.
He said: “The Nigerian Air Force recognises the distinguished service of its veterans, but service weapons remain government property and must be duly accounted for at retirement, in line with extant laws.”
The CAS revealed that the NAF was also exploring a regulated armoury arrangement that would allow eligible retirees to lawfully possess approved firearm calibres for personal protection.
He explained that modalities were being developed to ensure transparency, regulation and full compliance with national firearms laws before any such framework is implemented.
Aneke noted that the firearm withdrawal policy forms part of broader reforms in veteran administration, including plans to establish Veteran Well-Being Centres nationwide.
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