Papua New Guinea Launches Gun Buyback Amnesty in Jiwaka

The Papua New Guinea national government is allocating funds for a gun buyback program in Jiwaka Province, aiming to incentivize the voluntary surrender of illegal firearms. Police Minister Sir John Pundari announced the initiative at the Operation Kumul Peace gun amnesty event in Banz.

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He said assured those that surrender their illegal firearms would get their payment nor price after the close of the illegal gun amnesty after September 16, 2026.

Sir John assured the public that individuals who hand over their illegal weapons during the amnesty period will receive payment. The buyback program is set to conclude on September 16, 2026, after which law enforcement will actively seek out those who have not complied.

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Mr Dalla said all illegal firearms collected would be destroyed.

Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Asi Laimo urged those surrendering firearms to follow up and obtain copies of their forms to ensure they receive their payment. He also highlighted challenges in reaching remote areas like East Kambia and parts of Jimi due to funding shortages, calling on local leaders to encourage compliance before the deadline. All collected illegal firearms will be destroyed, according to Mr. Dalla, who noted the program's struggle for support funding from headquarters.

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Mr Dalla said those that own any illegal weapons and wanted to surrender, only two weeks were remaining and after these two weeks, the law would look for them.