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| Seized Illegal Arms |
Inspector-General of Police
Olatunji Disu addressed stakeholders in Makurdi, Benue State, on July 24, 2026,
as part of ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity driven by the proliferation of
illegal weapons. Disu emphasized that only authorized personnel are permitted
to carry arms and directed officers to act decisively against those found with
illicit firearms, referencing Force Order 237; the guidelines governing the use
of force in response to armed threats.
Initial reports circulated widely
claiming the IGP had issued a blanket “shoot-on-sight” order for anyone
carrying illegal guns. The Nigeria Police Force quickly clarified that no such
directive was given. Officials stated that Disu’s comments were taken out of
context and that he was simply reminding officers of the existing rules of
engagement, which allow the use of firearms only in specific, lawful
circumstances against armed threats. The Force urged the public to review the
full remarks for accurate context.
This comes amid broader concerns
about arms flowing from conflict areas in the North toward other regions, with
the police intensifying recovery operations ahead of the 2027 elections and
promoting voluntary surrender of weapons.
Viral Video Leads to Arrest of
Four Officers in Ondo
Separately, the Ondo State Police
Command moved swiftly to address public outrage after a video of a
stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Benin Expressway went viral. In the
footage, officers were seen interacting with a motorist in a manner that drew
accusations of intimidation, attempted extortion, and ethnic bias. One officer
allegedly made a remark suggesting the driver would face detention if he were
Igbo after the man refused to pay a bribe. Four officers, identified in reports
as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi,
and Inspector Odusola Peter were arrested and placed under investigation. The
command’s spokesperson confirmed the action, stressing zero tolerance for
unprofessional conduct and ethnic profiling. The incident has fueled
conversations about police professionalism and ethnic sensitivities during
routine operations.
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| One of the Officers arrested |
Parallel Operations in Ogun
State
In related enforcement activity,
Ogun State Police Command reported the arrest of 16 suspects in operations
targeting diesel bunkering, defilement, vandalism, and other offenses. These
actions form part of a wider push against criminal networks.
What This Means Going Forward
These developments highlight the
dual pressures facing the Nigeria Police Force: cracking down on the illegal
arms that fuel kidnappings, banditry, and other crimes, while maintaining
public trust through accountability. The clarification around the IGP’s remarks
aims to prevent misinformation, while the swift arrests in Ondo signal
responsiveness to viral evidence of misconduct.
As security challenges persist
nationwide, observers will be watching how these directives and internal
disciplinary measures translate into safer communities and improved
police-citizen relations. Stay tuned for further updates as investigations
continue.
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