The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across Nigeria to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of renewed efforts to tackle the country's worsening security challenges.
The directive was issued on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State, where the IGP said the order aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's directive to end the persistent insecurity in the state.
Speaking at the meeting, Disu stressed that only duly 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," the IGP said.
He explained that the directive is backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without first seeking approval from superior officers.
According to him, officers have already been instructed on how and when to deploy their firearms in line with the provisions of the law.
Disu said the decision was driven by the increasing number of security personnel being killed while performing their duties.
"We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow," he stated.
Reaffirming the order, the police chief added that officers have been trained to respond appropriately to armed threats but emphasized that public cooperation remains essential to achieving lasting security.
He called on residents to support security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence that could help prevent attacks and track down criminal elements.
Benue State has experienced a series of deadly attacks by armed groups in recent months, resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of thousands of residents, and widespread destruction of property.
The Federal Government has continued to reinforce security operations in the state by deploying additional personnel and introducing tougher measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing further violence.
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