The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has directed police personnel across the country to take decisive action against individuals carrying illegal firearms, ordering officers to invoke Force Order 327 in confronting armed criminals.

The directive was issued during the IGP's town hall meeting with Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi as part of his operational visit to the state following the recent wave of deadly attacks and killings.

Speaking at the meeting, the IGP instructed officers not to hesitate when confronting armed criminals, stressing that Force Order 327 provides the legal backing for police personnel to engage offenders carrying illegal weapons in order to protect themselves and innocent citizens.

Disu emphasized that the order was aimed at ending the growing loss of security personnel and restoring peace in communities affected by persistent violence, particularly in Benue State.

During the interactive session, participants raised concerns over the recurring attacks in the state, questioning the motives behind the violence and why suspected security threats are often not arrested despite intelligence reports being made available to security agencies.

Responding to the concerns, the police chief assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force would intensify its operations against criminal elements, stressing that officers have the authority to confront armed suspects without waiting for additional directives where Force Order 327 applies.

He also appealed to youths across Benue State to collaborate with the police by providing credible intelligence on criminal activities, assuring them that law enforcement agencies would pursue criminals regardless of their ethnic, religious, or social background.

In his remarks, Governor Hyacinth Alia reiterated his support for the establishment of state police, arguing that decentralized policing would strengthen efforts to tackle insecurity and complement the work of the conventional police.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Tor Tiv pledged the support of the traditional institution for any security strategy capable of bringing an end to the persistent killings in Benue State.

The town hall meeting was attended by senior officers of the Nigeria Police Force, heads of other security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders committed to finding lasting solutions to the security challenges facing the state.