IGP Orders Police to Shoot Anyone Carrying Illegal Firearms

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and armed violence.

Disu gave the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. He said the decision followed President Bola Tinubu’s instruction that the prolonged security challenges in the state must be brought under control.

The police chief stated that only security personnel authorised by law are permitted to carry firearms, warning that anyone found in possession of illegal weapons would face immediate action from law enforcement officers.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force will no longer tolerate the unlawful carrying of firearms, adding that criminals cannot continue to move around with weapons while threatening the lives of innocent citizens.

Disu explained that the directive is in line with Force Order 237, which provides police officers with the operational framework for responding to armed threats during the course of their duties.

He said officers have already been instructed that they do not need to wait for approval from senior officers before taking action against armed suspects encountered during security operations.

The Inspector-General noted that the decision became necessary because of the growing number of security personnel who have lost their lives while confronting armed criminals across different parts of the country.

According to him, the police, military and other security agencies have continued to record casualties in the line of duty, making it necessary to adopt stronger measures against those carrying illegal firearms.

Disu reaffirmed that police officers have been directed to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal weapons, adding that they have received the necessary training to respond appropriately whenever such situations arise.

He also appealed to residents of Benue State and Nigerians generally to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence that could help prevent attacks and expose criminal groups.

The police boss said public cooperation remains essential to the success of ongoing operations, stressing that security agencies cannot effectively defeat criminal elements without information from members of the public.

Benue State has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to the deaths of many residents, displacement of thousands of people and destruction of homes and property.

The Federal Government has continued to strengthen security operations in the state through the deployment of additional personnel and other measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing further attacks.