The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the move as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity and end the wave of violent attacks across the country. cbinews.tv reports.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered police officers across Nigeria to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as security agencies intensify efforts to tackle rising insecurity.

cbinews.tv reports that the directive was issued on Friday during a stakeholders' meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State.

According to the IGP, the order follows President Bola Tinubu's directive that the persistent security challenges in Benue State must be brought under control.

Disu stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms, warning that anyone found moving around with illegal weapons would be treated as a threat.

"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 police chief explained that the directive is backed by Force Order 237, which empowers police officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.

He noted that officers have already been instructed on how and when to deploy their firearms in line with the law.

The IGP said the decision was driven by the growing number of security personnel who have lost their lives while confronting armed criminals.

"We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other security personnel dying unnecessarily," he stated.

Reaffirming the directive, Disu said officers have been trained to act decisively whenever they encounter armed suspects carrying illegal firearms.

He, however, emphasised that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by security agencies alone and called on residents to support law enforcement by providing timely and credible intelligence.

Benue State has experienced repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months, resulting in the loss of lives, displacement of thousands of residents and widespread destruction of property.

The Federal Government has continued to reinforce security operations in the state by deploying additional personnel and introducing tougher measures aimed at restoring peace and preventing further attacks.

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