Jul 24, 2026

IGP Disu Orders Shoot-on-Sight for Illegal Arms as Tinubu Demands End to Benue Bloodshed

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Makurdi, Benue State—July 24, 2026— In a bold escalation of security measures, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Tunji Disu has directed officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms as part of a renewed push to tackle the unrelenting wave of violence in Benue State.

Speaking at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting at the Benue State Government House on Friday, Disu revealed that the order aligns with a direct directive from President Bola Tinubu to decisively address the insecurity plaguing the region, which has claimed numerous lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed livelihoods.

Disu, who invoked Force Order 237, emphasized that police personnel no longer need to seek superior approval before acting against armed criminals.

“We are tired of losing our men,” he reportedly conveyed, highlighting the exhaustion within the force amid ongoing attacks by armed herders, kidnappers, cultists, and other criminal elements.

The IGP also announced a 14-day special operation targeting flashpoints across the state, aimed at flushing out criminal networks.

The town hall meeting brought together Governor Hyacinth Alia, traditional leaders including the Tor Tiv, religious figures, security chiefs, and other stakeholders to forge a collaborative path forward.

Benue has long grappled with multifaceted security challenges, including farmer-herder clashes, banditry, and communal tensions.

Disu described the situation as a source of “sleepless nights” for both residents and security operatives, stressing that success depends on community cooperation and intelligence sharing from the public.

While the directive underscores the government’s zero-tolerance stance on illegal arms, it has sparked discussions about potential human rights implications and the need for strict adherence to rules of engagement.

Security experts and civil society groups are expected to monitor implementation closely to balance forceful action with accountability.

Governor Alia has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to security, renewing calls for state police as a long-term solution to complement federal efforts.

President Tinubu’s directive reflects broader national concerns over rising insecurity, with Benue serving as a critical test case for the administration’s resolve.

As operations commence, residents of Benue and observers nationwide will be watching to see whether this hardline approach yields the much-needed respite from violence that has haunted the state for years.

The Nigeria Police Force urged citizens to provide timely information to support these efforts, emphasizing that the ultimate goal remains the restoration of lasting peace and normalcy.