IGP Disu Orders Police to Shoot Armed Suspects on Sight

• IGP Disu invokes Force Order 237 to authorise immediate response to armed threats
• Disu says only legally authorised security personnel should carry firearms
• Directive follows renewed push to end persistent violence in Benue and other troubled areas

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu has directed police officers nationwide to open fire on anyone found carrying illegal firearms, declaring that the unlawful possession of weapons will no longer be tolerated as security agencies intensify efforts to combat violent crime.

The directive was issued on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where the police chief said the decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to restore lasting peace in the state and other violence-prone areas.

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Disu stressed that only personnel legally authorised to bear arms are permitted to do so, warning that individuals moving around with illegal firearms would be treated as immediate security threats.

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

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The Inspector-General explained that the order is backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond instantly to armed threats without waiting for instructions from superior officers.

“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.

According to the police chief, the tougher approach became necessary because of the growing number of security personnel killed while confronting armed criminals.

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

Reaffirming the operational directive, he added, “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.”

Disu urged residents to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible intelligence, describing community cooperation as critical to dismantling criminal networks and preventing further attacks.

Benue State has remained one of Nigeria’s major security flashpoints, with recurring attacks by armed groups leading to numerous deaths, widespread displacement of residents and destruction of property.

The Federal Government has recently reinforced security operations in the state through the deployment of additional personnel and the adoption of stronger measures aimed at restoring law and order.