More than 15 factory-made firearms and hundreds of homemade guns, including a hand grenade, bows and arrows, have been voluntarily surrendered by communities in Tebi Local Level Government (LLG), Tari-Pori district, as the Hela Gun Amnesty and surrender programme continues.
The weapons were surrendered last Thursday at Hangapo Primary School, with Hela Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector Arau Mairi confirming the programme is progressing well across the province.
In a statement PPC Mairi commended the leaders, youths and communities of Tebi LLG for taking a positive approach by surrendering their weapons, describing it as a positive step towards restoring peace.
He said the surrender of firearms demonstrated a significant shift in mindset and a desire by youths and leaders to protect their people and choose a better future.
“Hand your gun in. Protect your people. Choose Peace. Tebi LLG has shown the way. Nogat Gun, Nogat Traibal Fait,” PPC Mairi said.
The Hela Gun Amnesty programme continues with the Tagali LLG surrendered theirs while Hayapuka LLG set for tomorrow (Monday, September 28).
PPC Mairi also thanked Hela Governor Hon. Philip Undialu for taking the lead in the amnesty programme.
He confirmed that all surrendered weapons are recorded and kept safely, with Mobile Squad Nine (MS09) providing security 24 hours a day.
The programme runs from September 18 to December 25, 2026.
Weapons can be surrendered at all scheduled field events or on any day at Tari Police Station, Komo Police Station, Koroba Police Post and Magarima Police Post.
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Police have reiterated that there will be no arrest for weapons that are voluntarily handed in under the amnesty programme.
However, PPC Mairi said the protection would end after December 25, after which targeted enforcement operations would commence.