MONROVIA: Liberia's Arms Commission has issued a stern nationwide warning, ordering illegal firearm holders to surrender their weapons or face prosecution.
The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) has intensified its campaign against the unlawful possession of firearms, warning that individuals found with unregistered weapons will face the full weight of the law if they fail to surrender or register them during the government's ongoing amnesty period.
The commission's warning follows persistent media reports suggesting that several individuals across the country remain in possession of illegal firearms in violation of the amended Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, raising renewed concerns over public safety and national security.
In a strongly worded press statement, LiNCA ordered all violators to immediately relinquish their illegal weapons to the commission or the Liberia National Police (LNP), emphasizing that unlawful possession of firearms is a criminal offense punishable under Liberian law.
"The Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) is concerned by persistent reports in the media, indicating that some individuals are in possession of illegal firearms in violation of the amended Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015, which criminalizes the unlawful possession of firearms," the commission declared.
The commission stressed that every firearm in civilian possession must be lawfully registered, warning that anyone found carrying or storing an unregistered weapon, risks arrest and criminal prosecution.
"The commission is issuing a stern warning to all individuals in possession of illegal firearms to immediately cease such unlawful conduct and surrender those firearms to the Liberia National Commission on Arms (LiNCA) or the Liberia National Police," the statement said.
LiNCA emphasized that the amended Firearms and Ammunition Control Act expressly prohibits the unlawful possession and use of small arms, light weapons, ammunition and other related materials, adding that no civilian is exempt from compliance with the law.
The commission reaffirmed that it remains the country's legally mandated authority responsible for regulating, controlling and managing the lawful possession and use of firearms in both the public and private sectors, while leading national efforts to curb the illicit trafficking and circulation of weapons throughout Liberia.
According to the statement, LiNCA will continue strengthening its collaboration with the Liberia National Police and other security institutions to enforce the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act, protect public safety, enhance national security and uphold the rule of law.
The commission further urged all persons possessing unregistered firearms to take advantage of the amnesty period provided under Executive Order No. 162, which allows individuals to voluntarily surrender or register their weapons in accordance with the law before strict enforcement measures commence.
"Failure to comply with the requirements of the Firearms and Ammunition Control Act of 2015 and Executive Order No. 162, may result in the full enforcement of the law, including arrest and prosecution, where appropriate," LiNCA warned.
The latest warning signals a renewed determination by the government to tighten firearms control amid growing security concerns, with authorities making it clear that illegal weapons will no longer be tolerated outside the framework established by Liberian law.
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