The Nigeria Police Force has warned hospitals against refusing to treat victims of gunshot injuries, saying violations of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 could attract a fine of ₦500,000 or five years’ imprisonment.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, represented by the Director of the Nigeria Police Force Directorate of Legal Services, CP Aremu Bamidele Silas, highlighted the penalties during the unveiling of the ‘Safety First’ campaign by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
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The campaign, themed “Treat First, Save Lives,” seeks to promote public awareness of the legal requirement for hospitals to provide immediate medical attention to gunshot victims without insisting on police reports.
Speaking at the event, the NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr Ayoola Olufemi, stressed that hospitals must prioritise saving lives rather than delay treatment over police reports or other administrative requirements.
Olufemi explained that the 2017 Act provides a legal framework mandating hospitals to offer immediate and adequate medical attention to gunshot victims.
He disclosed that the Agency would deploy radio jingles, audiovisual materials, digital platforms and other public enlightenment channels to ensure the campaign reaches Nigerians across the country.
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According to him, the campaign materials have been produced in English, Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin English to promote wider understanding and accessibility.
He acknowledged the contributions of the ICRC, the Inspector-General of Police and the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stressing that protecting human lives requires collective responsibility and effective institutional collaboration.
In his remarks, the Deputy Head of the ICRC in Nigeria, Mr James Mathew, emphasised the importance of protecting access to healthcare and ensuring that gunshot victims receive life-saving treatment without unnecessary delays.
He described gunshot injuries as medical emergencies in which every minute counts, noting that despite the existence of a legal framework, greater awareness and practical implementation remain necessary.
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Mathew called for improved understanding of the law among healthcare professionals and security personnel to ensure that its provisions translate into effective action.
The unveiling ceremony, attended by officials of both organisations and members of the media, featured the presentation of radio jingles and audiovisual materials developed to support the nationwide campaign.