Benue: “Shoot Illegal Firearms Carriers,” IGP Disu Orders Police

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed police officers to take decisive action against anyone found carrying illegal firearms, amid heightened security concerns in Benue State.

Disu gave the directive on Friday, July 24, 2026, during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi, where he discussed measures to tackle insecurity in the state.

The IGP reportedly invoked Force Order 237, the police regulation governing the use of firearms, while urging officers to respond appropriately when confronted by armed individuals.

He said police personnel should not wait for instructions from superior officers before acting in situations where the use of firearms is legally justified.

Disu’s remarks came against the backdrop of growing concerns over attacks by armed groups and the killing of security personnel in Benue and other parts of the country.

The police chief expressed concern over the number of officers and other security personnel losing their lives while confronting armed criminals.

He called for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities, urging residents to provide timely and credible intelligence to help security forces identify and apprehend criminal elements.

The IGP’s directive is part of broader efforts to strengthen security operations in Benue, where recurring attacks have resulted in deaths, displacement and destruction of property.

The police have maintained that the use of firearms by officers must be guided by the law and established rules of engagement. Force Order 237 provides the operational framework governing when and how police officers may use firearms in the course of their duties.

The renewed directive is expected to intensify police efforts against the proliferation and illegal possession of firearms, while placing greater emphasis on intelligence gathering and cooperation between security agencies and affected communities.

For residents of Benue, the central challenge remains the restoration of lasting peace and the protection of lives and property as security agencies step up operations against armed criminal groups.