Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has commanded law enforcement nationwide to engage and fire upon individuals caught with illicit weapons. This mandate serves as a primary strategy to address rising insecurity throughout Nigeria.
Announcing the policy in Makurdi, Benue State, on Friday, Disu noted that this action aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s objective to terminate the ongoing instability in the region. The IGP emphasized that only official state security forces are entitled to carry arms, declaring that unauthorized weapon possession will face strict consequences.
Under the authority of Force Order 237, officers are permitted to use lethal force against armed threats immediately, bypassing the need for prior authorization from superiors. Disu stated that this proactive stance is necessary due to the high frequency of deaths among security agents. He expressed frustration over the loss of police and military personnel in the line of duty.
While urging citizens to provide intelligence to aid these efforts, the police chief stressed that community collaboration is essential for success. Benue State has been plagued by violent raids that have resulted in significant fatalities, displacement, and property damage. The government continues to bolster its presence in the region to restore order.
