Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has directed police officers nationwide to take decisive action against individuals carrying illegal firearms, urging them to enforce Force Order 327 to curb attacks on security personnel and restore peace in Benue State.

Disu issued the directive during a town hall meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi as part of his operational visit following the recent wave of killings in the state.

The meeting brought together security stakeholders who raised concerns over the persistent attacks in Benue and questioned why suspected criminals are often not arrested despite available intelligence.

Responding, the IGP instructed police personnel to confront armed criminals without waiting for additional authorisation, stressing that Force Order 327 provides the legal backing for officers to engage such threats while protecting both security operatives and innocent civilians.

He also appealed to youths in Benue to work closely with the police by providing timely intelligence to help combat criminal activities across the state.

According to Disu, the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to tackling crime without bias, insisting that all offenders would be dealt with regardless of their background or identity.

Governor Alia, in his remarks, reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralised policing would strengthen efforts to address the state’s security challenges alongside the conventional police structure.

The Tor Tiv also pledged support for any security strategy capable of ending the persistent violence and killings in Benue.

The town hall meeting was attended by senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force and representatives of other security agencies.