Shoot-at-sight: IGP issues order to police officers against gunmen
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed police officers across the country to adopt a shoot-at-sight approach against armed criminals and individuals found carrying illegal firearms.
The IGP gave the directive on Friday during a stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, as part of efforts to tackle the worsening security situation in the state.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has ordered security agencies to ensure that insecurity in Benue is brought to an end, stressing that only duly authorised security personnel are permitted to bear firearms.
He declared that the era of passive policing was over, warning that no one would be allowed to move about with weapons in defiance of the law.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated,” he said.
The police chief said officers had been reminded of the provisions of Force Order 237, which guides the use of firearms, adding that they no longer need to wait for superior approval before responding to armed threats within the rules of engagement.
“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of the security agencies dying needlessly.
“They have been instructed to shoot at sight. They have been trained to do what is necessary. But we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you,” the IGP said.