IG Orders Police to Shoot Anyone Carrying Illegal Firearms
Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has directed police officers across Nigeria to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms as part of renewed efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the country. The directive was issued during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.
The police chief said the order followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to end the persistent attacks and killings in Benue State. He stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally allowed to carry firearms and warned that anyone found with illegal weapons would be treated as a threat.
Disu said officers have been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
According to him, security operatives have suffered heavy casualties in recent months, making it necessary for officers to act decisively when confronted by armed criminals.
The Inspector-General stated that police personnel had been properly trained on the use of firearms and the circumstances under which they could lawfully deploy them.
He also appealed to residents of Benue State and Nigerians generally to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could help prevent attacks and expose criminal groups.
Benue has witnessed repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to the loss of many lives, displacement of communities and destruction of property.
The Federal Government has continued to deploy additional security personnel to the state while introducing tougher measures aimed at restoring peace and protecting residents.