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The Minister of the Interior, Mohammed-Muntaka Mubarak, has ordered the immediate suspension of all active gun licences across the country, citing increasing public safety concerns and weaknesses in the existing firearms licensing framework.
Speaking during an interview on Joy FM on June 23, 2026, the minister said the directive came into force at 12 noon on Tuesday, June 23, as part of efforts to tighten control over firearm ownership and address emerging security challenges.
“We’ve realised a new phenomenon, which is threatening public safety. The affluent, like you and I, are registering these guns and they have them. And now, in the last three months, we’ve seen three affluent persons that have used it to commit suicide. We are realising that what we think that was lacking, we don’t do mental health, we don’t do drug tests, and we don’t also train.
“When I was going to register it, they didn’t do any mental help for me. They didn’t check whether I’m on drugs…The law mandates me, even when I give you a license, at any time that I think that it could be a threat to the public,” he stated.
He explained that firearm licensing would eventually resume under a revamped regulatory framework, with applicants expected to meet stricter requirements before being granted approval.
“Applicants will be required to undergo a mental health assessment through the Mental Health Authority, drug screening conducted by the Narcotics Control Commission and mandatory firearms handling training at approved facilities, including the Tesano Shooting Range,” he stated.
The Interior Minister said applicants who successfully complete the new screening and assessment process will have their licences reissued under a strengthened regulatory system.
He noted that all existing firearm licences will be suspended with immediate effect, after which authorities will open a fresh application process for eligible gun owners who satisfy the updated requirements.
According to him, the reforms are designed to enhance national security, promote responsible firearm ownership, and curb the misuse of weapons across the country.
