By Abdullahi Sarki
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a shoot-on-sight order against anyone found carrying illegal firearms across Nigeria.
This directive is part of a renewed strategy to tackle rising insecurity and violent crime nationwide.
Disu announced the order on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He explained that the instruction aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to end the persistent security crisis in Benue State.
The IG emphasized that only authorized security personnel are legally permitted to bear arms in the country.
He warned that the era of passive policing is officially over, stressing that public safety must take priority.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” Disu declared.
The police chief disclosed that officers have been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond decisively to armed threats.
This authority allows them to act without waiting for directives from superior officers in life-threatening situations.
“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,” he stated.
Disu expressed frustration over the growing loss of security personnel in the line of duty.
“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.
He confirmed that officers have been trained to use their firearms appropriately when facing armed criminals.
“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 added.
The IG called on residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information.
He noted that public cooperation remains critical to the success of the fight against armed criminality.
Benue State has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to loss of lives, displacement, and property destruction.
The federal government has deployed additional security personnel and adopted tougher measures to restore peace in the region.
Disu reiterated that the new order is a necessary step to protect communities and restore law and order.
He assured citizens that the police force remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across the nation.
