Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu has ordered a firm crackdown on illegal firearms across Nigeria, directing officers to enforce the law decisively in line with Force Order 237.
Speaking Thursday at a security stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the police boss said the move is aimed at restoring order in states like Benue where violence has disrupted lives.
“We are the only ones recognised to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that. You cannot move around freely bearing arms and think there’s no law and order in this country. This will not be tolerated,” Disu stated.
The IGP described the current insecurity in Benue as “unacceptable” and a source of “sleepless nights” for residents and security agencies. He recalled that Benue was once known as a peaceful and hospitable state before violence took over.
Accountability and Professionalism Emphasized
Alongside the crackdown, Disu reaffirmed his commitment to cleaning up the Force. He warned that any officer who misuses a firearm or kills a citizen without lawful justification will face immediate dismissal and prosecution.
“Impunity ends now. Not transferred. Not queried. Not redeployed. No badge is a license to kill. No uniform is a shield from justice”.
He noted that firearms must only be used as a last resort and strictly under Force Order 237. The directive follows his recent order for the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved in an unlawful shooting in Delta State, and a nationwide audit of police arms to strengthen accountability.
Why the Directive Matters
Security experts say the IGP’s two-pronged approach cracking down on illegal arms while disciplining erring officers addresses both public safety and trust in the police. By targeting unauthorized arms bearers, the police aim to cut off a major driver of banditry and communal violence. By enforcing strict internal discipline, Disu is signaling that lawful policing will be the standard.
At the passing-out of 1,068 retrained constables in Uyo, Disu said the retraining marks “a significant shift toward professionalism” and that “the real examination begins tomorrow, when you return to the streets”.
Stakeholders at the Makurdi meeting welcomed the directive, saying decisive action is needed to return Benue to its reputation as a peaceful state.