The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of renewed efforts to curb violent crimes and restore security across the country.
Disu gave the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, saying the order followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to end the persistent insecurity in the state.
The police chief stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that law enforcement 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 officers have been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond decisively to armed threats without waiting for directives 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.
The IGP said the decision was informed by the increasing loss of security personnel in the line of duty.
“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow,” he said.
Disu maintained that officers have received the necessary training to respond professionally while carrying out their responsibilities.
“They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary,” he added.
He, however, noted that security agencies alone cannot win the fight against criminality without the support of the public.
The IGP called on residents of Benue State and other Nigerians to provide timely and credible intelligence to assist security agencies in tracking and apprehending criminal elements.
According to him, community cooperation remains critical to efforts aimed at tackling armed banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to implementing President Tinubu’s directive to restore peace and security in Benue State and other troubled parts of the country.
Disu assured Nigerians that the police would continue to work closely with other security agencies to safeguard lives and property across the federation.
