The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to take decisive action against anyone found carrying illegal firearms, ordering officers to shoot on sight as part of efforts to curb insecurity across the country.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
The police chief said the order aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the worsening security situation in Benue State must be brought under control.
According to the Inspector-General, only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to bear firearms, warning that security agencies would no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” Disu said.
He explained that the directive is backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
“We have given them instructions. We have a Force Order 237. Police officers have been instructed that they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms,” he stated.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of security personnel killed in the line of duty, the IGP said officers have been trained to respond appropriately whenever they face armed criminals.
“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow.
“They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary. But we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you,” he added.
Disu also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains essential to addressing insecurity.
Benue State has experienced a series of deadly attacks by armed groups in recent months, leaving many people dead, forcing residents from their communities and causing widespread destruction of property.
The Federal Government has since intensified security operations in the state by deploying additional personnel and adopting tougher measures aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property.
