‘No More Mercy, Shoot on Sight’ – IGP Issues Tough New Order Against Illegal Gun Carriers

• Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered police officers across Nigeria to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms as part of renewed efforts to combat insecurity.

Disu issued the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

According to the IGP, the order followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the persistent insecurity and violent attacks in Benue State must be brought to an end.

He stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that the era of passive policing is over.

“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.

The IGP further disclosed that police officers have been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond decisively to armed threats without waiting for approval or directives 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.

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

“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 stated.

The police boss also appealed to residents to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information, noting that public cooperation remains vital in the fight against armed criminals and other security threats.

Benue State has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, leading to the loss of many lives, the displacement of thousands of residents, and the destruction of homes and other property.

In response to the worsening security situation, the Federal Government has continued to deploy additional security personnel and implement tougher measures aimed at restoring peace and protecting lives and property in the state.