‘Shoot Anyone With Illegal Firearms’ — IGP Gives Police Fresh Order

The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers across the country to take decisive action against anyone found carrying illegal firearms as part of intensified efforts to tackle insecurity and prevent criminal activities.

The directive, according to reports, was issued as the Nigeria Police Force steps up operations aimed at recovering prohibited weapons and denying criminal groups access to firearms used for kidnapping, banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.

The IGP’s order reportedly empowers officers to deal firmly with individuals found in possession of illegal weapons, with the police warning that unauthorised possession of firearms poses a serious threat to national security and public safety.

The development comes amid renewed security operations across the country, with the police leadership stressing the need to remove illegal arms from circulation and ensure that only authorised personnel carry firearms.

The Nigeria Police Force has in recent months intensified efforts to mop up prohibited firearms, ammunition and locally fabricated weapons, directing commands nationwide to identify and recover weapons in the hands of unauthorised persons.

Security authorities have repeatedly linked the proliferation of illegal firearms to rising cases of armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism and communal violence, with criminal elements using sophisticated weapons to attack communities and security personnel.

The police chief also stressed the importance of intelligence gathering, coordinated operations and strict enforcement of firearms regulations to strengthen the country’s internal security system.

The directive follows previous moves by the police hierarchy to audit arms and ammunition across commands and improve accountability in the management of weapons within the Force.

However, security experts and human rights advocates have often emphasised that enforcement actions involving firearms must remain within the bounds of the law and respect established rules of engagement to prevent abuse of power.

The latest order is part of broader government efforts to confront insecurity, as authorities continue operations against criminal networks and armed groups across different parts of Nigeria.

The Nigeria Police Force urged members of the public to provide credible information on individuals or groups in possession of illegal weapons, assuring citizens that such intelligence would assist ongoing efforts to restore peace and security nationwide.

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