Police chief cites rising deaths of security personnel, invokes Force Order 237, and urges public cooperation to end wave of attacks

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a sweeping directive to officers nationwide to open fire on anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as authorities intensify efforts to stem Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.

The order was announced on Friday during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi. Disu said the decision aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s instruction to decisively end the protracted security crisis in the state.

Emphasising that only authorised security operatives are legally permitted to bear arms, the police chief warned that unlawful possession of firearms would no longer be tolerated under any circumstances.

“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” Disu declared.

He explained that the directive is grounded in Force Order 237, which empowers officers to respond immediately to armed threats without waiting for clearance from superior authorities.

“We have given clear instructions. Police officers do not need to wait for any superior order. They know when and where to deploy their firearms,” he said.

Disu noted that the move was driven by mounting casualties among security personnel, stressing that the losses have become unacceptable.

“We are tired of losing our men—police officers, soldiers, and other security agents—dying in the line of duty,” he added.

Reiterating the stance, the IGP said officers have been trained to act decisively when confronted with armed threats but stressed that success depends heavily on public support.

He called on residents to assist security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, describing community cooperation as critical in tackling armed criminality.

Benue State has in recent months witnessed a surge in deadly attacks by armed groups, leaving scores dead, displacing thousands, and destroying homes and livelihoods.

The Federal Government has since stepped up security operations in the state, deploying additional personnel and adopting tougher measures aimed at restoring order and preventing further violence.