The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, has formally ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands as part of efforts to strengthen accountability and prevent misuse of operational assets.
This is coming after a viral video showed officers shooting a restrained and handcuffed man at close range after a suspicious package was found.
Following the outcry over the video, four Nigerian police officers, led by ASP Nuhu Usman, were dismissed from service, and their case files were transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Speaking during a meeting with senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday, Disu mandated Commissioners of Police to conduct a comprehensive, transparent, and properly documented stocktaking exercise, with detailed reports to be submitted to the Force Headquarters within a stipulated timeframe.
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 timeframe.
“The objective is clear: to strengthen accountability, identify existing gaps, and provide an accurate assessment of our operational needs. Let me emphasize 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.”
Speaking on the extra-judicial killing, the IG described the incident as unlawful and a 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 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.
“This matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion,” he stated.
Disu also directed Commissioners of Police to convene regular town hall meetings with key stakeholders, including 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 organizations, listening to women’s groups, and transport unions, sharing information, and building genuine partnerships, ” he said.
