The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered police officers to shoot anyone found carrying illegal firearms, in what he described as a tougher response to armed violence across the country.
Disu gave the directive on Friday at a stakeholders’ meeting at Government House, Makurdi, Benue State, where he said President Bola Tinubu had directed security agencies to end the persistent attacks in the state.
The police chief said only authorised security personnel are allowed to bear firearms. He warned that people moving around with weapons outside the law would no longer be treated with what he called passive policing.
Punch and Daily Post reported that Disu told officers the instruction was meant to back renewed operations against armed groups and illegal weapons. The order comes amid continuing concern over killings and attacks in Benue and other parts of the country.
Disu also urged residents to support the police with information, saying security agencies needed community cooperation to identify armed actors and prevent further violence.
Sources: Punch, Daily Post
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