The 51st Independence Day celebration in Nipa, Southern Highlands Province (SHP) saw a major gun surrender event that took place witnessed by the Governor William Powi, and the police.

A total of 19 firearms and ammunition were surrendered to the State under the National Gun Amnesty and Surrender Program at Nipa Station, Nipa Kutubu District yesterday. 

Southern Highlands Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Chief Inspector Kelly Sombe, said the firearms were surrendered by the people from Semin and Upper Nipa areas. He said other wards and LLGs are in support and are expected to surrender the firearms as well.

PPC Sombe said the gun surrender program was witnessed by the Governor Honourable William Powi, Provincial Administrator David Kelma, his deputies, security personnel, local leaders and the general public.

PPC whilst witnessing the gun surrender ceremony told the people of Nipa Kutubu that law enforcers will not have mercy on those who do not surrender firearms and continue to keep them.

PPC confirmed that the following firearms were surrendered by the people from both Semin and Upper Nipa.

1×M58 Sub Machine Gun

3×Bush Masters

1×SLR Rifle

1×Galil Rifle

4×Mark IV Rifles

2×Pump Action

1×M16 Rifle

1×AK 47 Rifle

2×Single Shot Guns

3×Homemade Guns

PPC Sombe however said that he has also conducted the Gun Amnesty awareness in the Eastern End part of Imbongu, Ialibu/Pangia and Kagua/Erave last week and some prominent leaders and businessmen have surrendered their illegal firearms.

PPC said many more people are willing to surrender their firearms as well. He said the Gun Amnesty awareness would also be conducted in Upper Mendi, on Friday 18th, Mendi town on Monday 21st, Poroma and Kutubu on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.

PPC Sombe was happy with the response from people on the Gun Amnesty awareness program. He said people are willing to surrender their illegal firearms, and that is a positive approach for the province ahead of the 2027National General Election.

Meanwhile, Governor Powi commended the people for taking lead in the province to hand over the guns and making the communities safer.