Inspector-General of Police orders police to take down anyone carrying firearms

MAKURDI — Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu has directed police personnel across Nigeria to take immediate action against anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the measure as part of a tougher nationwide response to escalating insecurity.

The directive was issued on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State, where security chiefs and community leaders gathered to discuss efforts to address persistent violence in the region.

According to the police chief, the new approach follows instructions from President Bola Tinubu, who has tasked security agencies with restoring peace in Benue and other parts of the country affected by armed attacks.

Disu stressed that the right to carry firearms is reserved for authorised security personnel and warned that the unlawful possession of weapons would no longer be tolerated. "You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated."

The Inspector-General said officers have been empowered under Force Order 237, the Nigeria Police Force's operational guideline governing the use of firearms, to respond decisively when confronted with armed suspects without waiting for additional authorisation. "We have given them instructions. We have a Force Order 237. Police officers have been instructed that they don't need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms."

Disu said the directive reflects growing concern over the loss of security personnel in the line of duty, noting that police officers, soldiers and other operatives have continued to face deadly attacks while combating violent crime. "We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow."

Reaffirming the new operational stance, the police chief said officers have been trained to respond appropriately to armed threats and have been instructed to act without hesitation where necessary. "They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary. But we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you."

The meeting formed part of ongoing consultations between security agencies, government officials and community stakeholders aimed at strengthening intelligence sharing and improving coordinated efforts to curb insecurity in Benue State.