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Airgun law · World
Are Airguns Legal in Nigeria?
Mostly no, or only under severe restrictions.
Treated at or near firearm level, with an effective ban or major criminal-law exposure for ordinary ownership. Watch the restricted access rule in particular.
Tier 1 — Severely Restricted
Effective civilian ban or extreme criminal penalties for unlicensed possession.
NG
The picture at a glance
Each measure below scores how restrictive Nigeria is on that part of owning or transferring an airgun, from permissive (green) to firearm-level (red).
ClassificationTreated as firearm
Age ruleAdult / unspecified
PossessionRestricted access
Transfer / salePersonal import blocked
TransportSeverely restricted
AuthorityNational statute
Before you buy or sell
- Minimum 10-year imprisonment for illegal possession.
The rules in detail
Classification
Treated as firearm
Firearms Act (Cap. F28, 1959): airguns treated as firearms. President or Inspector General of Police approval required.
Age rule
Adult / unspecified
Adult licensing only.
Possession
Restricted access
Only long guns can be licensed for civilians; handguns prohibited.
Transfer / sale
Personal import blocked
State-controlled.
Transport
Severely restricted
Severely restricted.
Authority
National statute
National statute.
Import & travel
Local & import notes
Visitor procedure
Minimum 10-year imprisonment for illegal possession under the Robbery and Firearms Act.
Keep exploring
This is a plain-language summary compiled from primary statutes and official guidance, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules vary, so verify the current rules with the relevant authority before buying, selling, or hunting.