Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has declared that only authorised security personnel are permitted to carry firearms, warning that the Nigeria Police Force will clamp down on individuals found illegally bearing arms.
The IGP gave the warning on Thursday during a security stakeholders’ meeting held at the Old Banquet Hall of the Benue State Government House in Makurdi.
He said the police had already directed officers across the country to take firm action against armed criminals in line with Force Order 237.
“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,” he said.
Speaking on the security situation in Benue State, Disu described the persistent violence as disturbing, noting that the crisis had deprived residents and security agencies of peace.
He lamented that Benue, once celebrated for its peaceful atmosphere and hospitality, had become a hotspot for violent attacks.
The police chief observed that the security challenges in the state had grown beyond the traditional farmer-herder conflict, saying criminal gangs, kidnappers and political interests had further complicated the situation.
Condemning the recurring attacks and retaliatory violence, Disu stressed that the cycle of bloodshed must come to an end.
“We are tired of this issue of attacks and retaliation. When you attack, then you hear of retaliation.”
He also conveyed President Bola Tinubu’s directive that continued attacks and violent clashes in Benue would no longer be tolerated, assuring residents that security agencies were committed to restoring peace.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, commended the Inspector-General’s visit, describing it as timely and a clear demonstration of the police leadership’s resolve to tackle insecurity through collaboration with state governments and community policing.
The governor lamented that repeated attacks on communities had claimed many lives, displaced residents, disrupted farming activities and posed a serious threat to food production across the country.
Alia said his administration had strengthened cooperation among security agencies through regular security council meetings, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, while pledging continued support for security personnel and the families of officers who lost their lives in the line of duty.
