The National Commission on Small Arms and Light Weapons (NACSA) has vowed to arrest and prosecute anyone found in possession of an unregistered or illicit firearm after January 30, 2026, as security agencies prepare to intensify enforcement operations across the country.
The warning follows the decision by the Minister for the Interior to extend the Gun Amnesty Programme (GAP) by an additional two weeks, a move NACSA says gives the public a final opportunity to comply voluntarily.
The extension, running from January 16 to January 30, 2026, comes after an encouraging response during the initial amnesty period, which started on December 1, 2025, and was due to end on January 15, 2026.
According to Authories, the additional window particularly targets individuals in hard-to-reach communities, allowing them to surrender or register unlicensed or illicit firearms without fear of interrogation, arrest, or prosecution.
However, the Commission emphasised that the amnesty period will not be extended beyond January 30, and strict enforcement will commence immediately after the deadline.
“After 30th January, 2026, security agencies will intensify enforcement operations, and any person found in possession of an unregistered or illicit firearm will be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the Commission stated.
