Police Minister Sir John Pundari has issued a final warning to people who are still in possession of illegal firearms, saying the National Firearms Amnesty and Guns Buy-Back Program will end on September 16.
He said there will be no further leniency for those who continue to keep illegal weapons.
Speaking during a press conference at Parliament’s State Function Room yesterday afternoon, Sir John said illegal firearms have caused widespread harm across the country through tribal fighting, murders, rapes, break-ins, vehicle thefts, drug trafficking and many other crimes.
He described illegal guns as “toxic weapons” that bring nothing but harm to communities and said the problem affects every region of the country, not just one province.
Sir John said reducing firearms must be treated as an immediate operational requirement and a long-term strategy for safer elections, stronger provincial security and reduced violent conflict.
He said the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Regional Operations is overseeing gun collection and the firearms amnesty through provincial police commands and has reported encouraging progress, with an update on current outcomes expected in the coming week.
The minister said the amnesty, which began on February 28, gives people until Independence Day on September 16 to surrender illegal firearms without being arrested.
He warned that once the amnesty ends, security forces will carry out intelligence-led operations to recover illegal firearms and there will be no leniency for anyone found in possession of illegal weapons.
“There will be no leniency for anyone that has illegal weapons. On the back of intelligence, the security forces will come for you,” he told reporters.
Sir John said the remaining months provide the final opportunity for people to surrender illegal guns or face the full force of the law.
He said reducing illegal firearms remains a national public safety priority through targeted enforcement, amnesty arrangements, intelligence-led targeting, community engagement, weapons tracing, command reporting and prosecution support.
He called on Papua New Guineans to work together to remove what he described as the “evil” of illegal firearms from society, communities and families.
The minister said police, security forces and specialist tactical units will intensify operations once the amnesty concludes.
He stressed that while the amnesty protects people who voluntarily surrender weapons, it does not protect those who continue to hide or keep illegal firearms after the deadline.
The Police Minister said the problem is not confined to the Highlands but is also affecting Milne Bay, the Islands Region and many coastal communities where illegal guns have appeared.
He commended frontline police officers for working with communities to recover illegal firearms through both voluntary surrenders and police operations, adding that police will continue enforcing firearms laws across the country.
Under the National Firearms Amnesty and Guns Buy-Back Program, cash incentives are being offered to those who surrender illegal firearms.
However, he said no one has immunity to commit crimes using illegal weapons during the amnesty period, warning that offenders will still face the full force of the law.
Following the end of the amnesty, joint security units and intelligence operations will drive enforcement while cash rewards will be paid to informants who assist authorities in recovering illegal firearms and arresting offenders.
Mr. Pundari also announced severe legal penalties for those involved in illegal firearms.
He said anyone found in possession of an illegal firearm faces mandatory life imprisonment.
The same penalty will apply to cross-border firearm sellers operating from Indonesia, Australia, the United States, other countries or within Papua New Guinea, whether they are foreign nationals or Papua New Guineans.
He warned that any member of the police, Correctional Services or Defence Force found transporting or trading illegal firearms or ammunition will also face mandatory life imprisonment.
Authorities, he said, are also targeting financiers who fund the purchase of high-powered firearms, with everyone involved in the supply chain to be held accountable under the law.
On the 2027 National General Election, Sir John said any sitting member seeking re-election while relying on illegal firearms is unworthy of public office and should be regarded as a criminal.
He further warned that supporters who vote for candidates backed by illegal firearms would be treated as accomplices attempting to steal an election through violence, with security forces maintaining zero tolerance.
“If a candidate cannot win an election without an illegal gun, they must forget running entirely,” he said.
The minister directed all Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) to fully implement the firearms amnesty in their provinces or risk immediate removal from office.
He said police patrols and resources should now focus on public awareness and gathering data on surrendered firearms until September 16.
PPCs have also been instructed to actively increase the number of surrendered weapons and keep accurate records.
Police collecting surrendered firearms will register each weapon, record the owner’s details and bank account information so payments can be processed after verification once the amnesty period ends.
Meanwhile, Sir Pundari called on churches, NGOs, diplomats, pastors, community leaders, businessmen and wealthy elites to support the program by encouraging communities to surrender illegal weapons.
He urged business leaders and wealthy individuals who finance campaign firearms to abandon such practices and instead place the interests of their families and the country first.
He also encouraged leaders to permanently cut ties with illegal firearms and criminal networks.
Minister Pundari said cash payments for surrendered firearms will not be made immediately.
Instead, all surrendered and destroyed firearms will undergo data verification and Cabinet processing before payments are transferred into the owner’s bank account.
He also warned that family members, political opponents or other individuals could report those keeping illegal firearms and become eligible for informant rewards.
He announced that a nationwide Repentance and Forgiveness Day will be observed on August 28, where citizens will reflect on the bloodshed and violence caused by illegal firearms.
He urged Papua New Guineans to choose their families over illegal weapons by voluntarily surrendering firearms before the September 16 deadline, saying it would help communities break free from what he described as the curse, chains and bondage created by illegal guns.