Shoot Illegal Firearm Carriers, IGP Orders Police
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to take decisive action against individuals found carrying illegal firearms, as part of renewed efforts to combat rising insecurity across the country.
The directive was issued on Friday during a stakeholders’ security meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to the IGP, the order aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to end the persistent wave of violence and insecurity, particularly in Benue State.
Disu stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that unlawful possession of weapons would no longer be tolerated.
He explained that officers have been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for clearance from superior officers.
“We have given our officers clear instructions under Force Order 237. They know when and how to deploy their firearms. We are tired of losing police officers, soldiers and other security personnel in the line of duty,” the IGP said.
He added that officers have been trained to act within the law while confronting armed suspects and urged communities to support security agencies with timely and credible intelligence.
The police chief noted that public cooperation remains vital in addressing armed criminality, emphasizing that effective policing cannot succeed without the active participation of residents.
Benue State has experienced a series of deadly attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to the loss of lives, displacement of thousands of residents and widespread destruction of 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 protecting affected communities.
