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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has ordered state Commissioners of Police to conduct an immediate audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands and units nationwide.
He directed the CPs to carry out a comprehensive, transparent, and properly documented stocktaking exercise and submit reports to the Force Headquarters.
The IGP, who gave the order at a meeting with senior officers in Abuja, said it is part of efforts to strengthen accountability and prevent misuse of operational assets within the Force.
He said: “I hereby direct all Commissioners of Police to immediately undertake a comprehensive audit of arms and ammunition within their respective commands. This exercise must be thorough, transparent, and properly documented, with detailed reports forwarded to the Force Headquarters within the stipulated time.
“The objective is clear: to strengthen accountability, identify existing gaps, and provide an accurate assessment of our operational needs. Let me emphasise that this is not a routine administrative task but a critical measure to enhance our readiness, prevent misuse, and ensure that all assets entrusted to the Force are properly accounted for and optimally deployed.”
On extrajudicial killings by police officers, the IGP described such acts as unlawful and a violation of professional standards.
He said: “That act was wrong. It was unlawful. It violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standards of this Force.”
He disclosed that the officer involved and members of his team had been dismissed, while the case file had been forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for criminal prosecution.
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“This matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion,” he stated.
Disu also directed CPs to convene regular town hall meetings with key stakeholders such as traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth and women groups, and transport unions.
“These are not ceremonial events. Commissioners must sit with traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth organisations, women’s groups, and transport unions—listening, sharing information, and building genuine partnerships,” he said.
As part of efforts to boost accessibility, the IGP ordered Commissioners to make their contact details available to community leaders within their states.
“When a community leader needs to reach their Commissioner of Police, that line must be open. That is what community policing looks like in practice,” he added.
Disu urged citizens to volunteer information to security agencies.
“If you see something, say something. We are listening, and we will act,” he said.
In a related development, Disu also announced the restructuring of the police anti-crime architecture with the creation of a new formation, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to replace the Special Weapons and Tactics units.
According to the IGP, the VCRU represents a fundamental shift in tackling serious crimes, with officers undergoing specialised training in tactical operations, human rights compliance, intelligence analysis, and rules of engagement.
