IGP issues shoot-at-sight directive against armed criminals

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to take firm action against individuals found carrying illegal firearms, warning that law enforcement will no longer tolerate the unlawful possession of weapons.

Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where he reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to tackle insecurity across the country.

According to the IGP, President Bola Tinubu has directed security agencies to ensure that the security challenges confronting Benue State are brought to an end, stressing that only duly authorised security personnel are permitted to bear firearms.

He declared that the era of passive policing was over, warning that individuals moving around with illegal weapons would be confronted by security operatives.

“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” Disu said.

The police chief stated that officers had been briefed on the provisions of Force Order 237, the operational guideline regulating the use of firearms by members of the Nigeria Police Force.

“We have given them instructions. We have 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,” he said.

Expressing concern over the increasing number of casualties among security personnel, the IGP said police officers, soldiers and other operatives had continued to pay the ultimate price in the fight against criminality.

“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow,” he said.

Disu added that officers had been adequately trained to respond to armed threats in line with operational procedures.

“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,” he stated.

The IGP appealed to residents, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to support security agencies by providing credible intelligence, noting that public cooperation remains essential to ongoing efforts to restore peace and strengthen security, particularly in Benue State and other parts of the country affected by violent crimes.