The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and curb the misuse of operational weapons.
The directive follows public outrage over a viral video showing police officers shooting a restrained and handcuffed suspect at close range after a suspicious package was discovered.
In the aftermath, four officers led by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman were dismissed from service, while their case files were forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.
Speaking during a meeting with senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday, Disu directed all Commissioners of Police to carry out a comprehensive and transparent stocktaking of arms and ammunition within their commands, with reports to be submitted to Force Headquarters within a specified timeframe.
He stressed that the exercise was not routine but a critical accountability measure aimed at improving operational readiness and preventing misuse of police assets.
Disu also condemned the shooting incident, describing it as unlawful and a gross violation of professional standards.
“That act was wrong. It was unlawful. It violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standards of this Force,” he said.
He confirmed that the officers involved had been dismissed, adding that the case file had been sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for criminal proceedings. According to him, “This matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion.”
As part of wider reforms, the IGP also directed Commissioners of Police to hold regular town hall meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth and women groups, and transport unions to strengthen community policing.
He further instructed that commissioners make their direct contact details available to community leaders to improve communication and rapid response to security concerns.
Disu urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies, saying, “If you see something, say something. We are listening, and we will act.”
In another development, the police chief announced a restructuring of the Force’s anti-crime operations with the creation of a new unit, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), which replaces the Special Weapons and Tactics units.
He explained that the new unit will focus on intelligence-led operations, human rights compliance, and specialised tactical training, with civilian oversight built into its framework.
Disu added that Commissioners of Police will retain full command responsibility over the unit in their respective states and directed that the VCRU be publicly launched with stakeholder engagement.
