Illegal firearms to be surrendered before December 25

*(From left)* Hela Governor Philip Undialu, Minister for Immigration and Border Security William Bando, Minister for Police Sir John Pundari and Residential judge for Tari Justice Andrew Kostopoulos in Tari recently. Minister Bando has appealed to the people to surrender firearms before Dec 25 *(NBC News)*

Minister for Immigration and Border Security and Member for Koroba-Lake Kopiago, William Bando, warned community members holding illegal weapons: "Turn them in before the provincial Gun Surrender Program amnesty expires on December 25, or face severe tactical intervention."

Minister Bando cautioned that once the deadline passes, law enforcement alongside the specialized Kumul 23 tactical unit will be deployed into villages and local communities.

Operating under the stringent provisions of the Counter-Terrorism Act 2024, the Kumul 23 unit holds legal authorization to utilize lethal force and execute high-intensity operations against confirmed armed threats and illegal weapons syndicates.

"They will come into your communities, your villages, and your very houses. If you attempt to flee or retaliate, you can be killed. If captured, you face life imprisonment," Minister Bando warned. "These final weeks before the amnesty ends represent your only opportunity to surrender your weapons and rebuild a normal life."

He emphasized that keeping illegal firearms brings unnecessary suffering to immediate family members and local communities. He noted that while standard tools allow families to farm and build sustainable livelihoods, firearms bring only destruction, perpetual fear, and generational retaliation.

Minister Bando commended Hela Governor Philip Undialu and provincial leaders for spearheaded the Gun Surrender Program. He expressed optimism that this unified effort will restore essential government services disrupted by tribal warfare and ultimately reshape Hela’s reputation as the nation prepares for its next 50 years of journey.