The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity across the country.
Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State, saying the order aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to end the persistent security challenges in the state.
According to the IGP, only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to bear firearms, warning that individuals carrying weapons unlawfully will face immediate action.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
The police chief explained that the directive is backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond decisively 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,” Disu stated.
Expressing concern over the loss of security personnel in the line of duty, he added, “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.”
The IGP, however, stressed that security agencies cannot succeed without public support, urging residents to provide credible and timely intelligence to aid ongoing operations against armed criminals.
Benue State has experienced recurring attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to deaths, displacement of residents, and widespread destruction of property. In response, the Federal Government has continued to deploy additional security personnel and strengthen security measures aimed at restoring peace in the state.
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