Ahead of next month’s general elections, the Kwara State Police Command has vowed to arrest and prosecute any politician found in possession of dangerous weapons.

Police Commissioner Salihu Garba read the riot act at a security meeting with political stakeholders in Ilorin, the state capital.

The police chief said the police command would not tolerate the proliferation of firearms.

He said: “We are not going to give anybody the permit to carry guns. We would not allow anyone to kill us. If you have a disagreement with your opponent, there is a better way to settle it – through the ballot. And if you have cars with factory-fitted tinted glasses, please obtain an official permit so that you can use it.”

Following the speculation that the police command was planning an indiscriminate arrest of politicians during the general elections, Garba said only those who foment trouble would be arrested.

He said: “We are not planning to arrest people indiscriminately. I am a human being and I would not like my liberty to be tampered with unnecessarily. Please, let’s talk to our children and wards not to be used by politicians as political thugs. If you do not commit any offence, walahi talahi, Garuba will not arrest or detain anybody.