Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has directed police officers nationwide to take decisive action against individuals found carrying illegal firearms, warning that anyone unlawfully armed risks being shot during security operations.
Drivetvnews gathered that the directive was issued on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State, where the IGP said the order aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to end the persistent insecurity in the state.
Disu stressed that only duly authorised security personnel are permitted by law to carry firearms, adding that security agencies will no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.
He explained that the directive is supported by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
According to the police chief, the decision became necessary due to the rising number of security personnel being killed while carrying out their duties.
“We are tired of losing our officers. Police personnel, soldiers and other security operatives should not continue to die needlessly,” he said.
Disu urged residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence, noting that community cooperation remains essential in tackling armed criminality.
Benue State has experienced repeated 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 strengthen security operations in the state by deploying additional personnel and adopting tougher measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing further attacks.
