The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has instructed police officers nationwide to open fire on anyone found unlawfully carrying firearms as part of renewed efforts to tackle rising insecurity across the country.
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 directive that the persistent security challenges in the state must be decisively addressed.
READ MORE: Troops Nab Five Suspected Kidnappers, Seize Locally Made AK-47 Rifles in Yobe
The IGP stressed that only duly authorised security personnel are legally allowed to bear arms, warning that security agencies would no longer condone the illegal possession or movement of firearms.
“No one can continue to move around with weapons as though there are no laws governing this country. Such actions will no longer be tolerated,” he said.
According to Disu, the directive is in line with Force Order 237, which authorises police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without first seeking approval from senior officers.
“Our personnel have received clear instructions. Force Order 237 empowers them to act without waiting for directives from their superiors whenever they face armed threats. They know the circumstances under which they are expected to use their firearms,” he stated.
He noted that the measure was prompted by the growing number of security operatives being killed while carrying out their duties.
“We can no longer continue losing our personnel. Too many police officers, soldiers, and other security operatives have lost their lives in the line of duty,” the police chief said.
Reiterating the order, Disu added that officers had been adequately trained to respond appropriately to dangerous situations and would enforce the directive where necessary. However, he emphasized that the fight against insecurity requires the active support of the public.
The Inspector-General also appealed to residents to cooperate with security agencies by providing prompt and credible intelligence, describing community participation as a key factor in combating armed criminality.
Benue State has experienced a series of deadly attacks by armed groups in recent months, resulting in numerous deaths, widespread displacement of residents, and significant destruction of property.
To address the situation, the Federal Government has continued to reinforce security operations in the state by deploying additional personnel and implementing stronger measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing further violence.
About The Author
