IGP Orders Nationwide Arms Audit After Viral Shooting
Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu has ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands following public outrage over a viral video showing officers shooting a restrained, handcuffed man at close range.
The directive came during a meeting with senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday, where Disu mandated all commissioners of police to conduct a comprehensive stocktaking exercise, with detailed reports submitted to Force Headquarters within a stipulated timeframe.
“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,” Disu said.
He described the audit as far more than routine administration. “The objective is clear: to strengthen accountability, identify existing gaps, and provide an accurate assessment of our operational needs,” he added.
Addressing the viral video that sparked public fury, Disu condemned the incident without reservation. “That act was wrong. It was unlawful. It violated the sanctity of human life and the professional standards of this Force,” he stated.
Four officers, led by ASP Nuhu Usman, were subsequently dismissed from service and their case file transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for criminal prosecution. “This matter will not be swept aside. Accountability will be pursued to its full and logical conclusion,” the IGP declared.
Beyond the arms audit, Disu announced the creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit to replace the existing Special Weapons and Tactics formations. The VCRU, according to the IGP, 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.
“Critically, civilian oversight has been built into the operational framework of the VCRU from the very beginning. These units will operate strictly on the basis of credible intelligence and their operations will be subject to structured review,” Disu said.
Commissioners of police will retain full command and accountability over the units in their respective states, while the VCRU is to be formally launched with public visibility and stakeholder participation.
On community engagement, Disu directed commissioners to hold regular town hall meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth groups, women’s organisations, and transport unions. “These are not ceremonial events,” he stressed, adding that commissioners must also make their contact details available to community leaders.
He further appealed to Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies. “If you see something, say something. We are listening, and we will act,” he said.