- The police chief directed officers to act against illegal firearm carriers
- Disu said the move followed concerns over insecurity in Benue
- He urged residents to support security agencies with useful information
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has instructed police officers nationwide to take decisive action against anyone found in possession of illegal firearms as part of measures to address rising insecurity.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Disu issued the directive on Friday during a security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Government House in Makurdi, Benue State.
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The police chief said the move was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to end the security challenges affecting Benue State and other parts of the country.
He warned that only legally authorised security personnel were permitted to carry firearms, stressing that individuals moving around with illegal weapons would no longer be tolerated.
“People cannot continue to carry arms openly as though there are no laws guiding the country. That will not be allowed,” Disu said.
The IGP explained that officers had been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for approval from senior officers.
He said the directive was necessary to protect security personnel who have continued to lose their lives while carrying out their duties.
“We are tired of losing our men. Police officers, soldiers and other security personnel should not continue to die unnecessarily,” he said.
Disu, however, emphasised that the success of the security operation depends on the support of residents, urging communities to provide useful information to security agencies.
Benue has recently experienced a series of attacks by armed groups, leading to deaths, displacement of communities and destruction of property.
The Federal Government has intensified security operations in the state through the deployment of more personnel and stronger measures aimed at restoring stability.
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