Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has issued a nationwide mandate authorizing officers to use lethal force against individuals possessing illegal firearms. This directive was announced on Friday during a meeting with stakeholders held at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State.
Disu stated that President Bola Tinubu has prioritized the resolution of insecurity in Benue, stressing that only official security personnel possess the legal right to carry weapons. The police chief declared that the period of lenient enforcement has ended. He asserted that the public movement of armed individuals will no longer be tolerated under the rule of law.
Under the established force order 237, officers have been granted the authority to use their service weapons without requiring prior approval from superiors when confronting armed threats. Disu highlighted the mounting toll of casualties among security personnel, including police and military members, as a primary motivation for the new strategy. While noting that officers are prepared to take necessary action, he emphasized that achieving safety will require active collaboration from the community.
