By Adesakin Adefemi
Inspector General of Police Tunji Disu on Tuesday ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands, moving to tighten accountability after a viral video showed officers shooting a handcuffed man in Delta State.
Speaking at a meeting with senior officers in Abuja, Disu directed Commissioners of Police to carry out a comprehensive, transparent and properly documented stocktaking exercise. He said detailed reports must be 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,” Disu said. “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.”
The directive follows public outcry over a video that showed officers shooting a restrained and handcuffed man at close range after a suspicious package was found. Four officers led by ASP Nuhu Usman have been dismissed from service, and their case files transmitted to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Disu described the Delta 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 added that the matter would not be swept aside and that accountability would be pursued to its full conclusion.
Beyond the arms audit, the IGP announced a restructuring of the police anti-crime architecture with the creation of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, to replace the Special Weapons and Tactics units. Officers in the new unit will undergo specialised training in tactical operations, human rights compliance, intelligence analysis, and rules of engagement.
Disu said civilian oversight has been built into the VCRU’s operational framework from the start. “These units will operate strictly on the basis of credible intelligence and their operations will be subject to structured review,” he noted. Commissioners of Police will retain full command and accountability for the unit in their states.
The IGP also directed Commissioners to convene regular town hall meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth and women groups, and transport unions. “These are not ceremonial events. Commissioners must sit with community leaders, share information, and build genuine partnerships,” he said.
As part of efforts to boost accessibility, Disu ordered that Commissioners 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.
He urged citizens to volunteer information to security agencies, saying, “If you see something, say something. We are listening, and we will act.” The VCRU is to be formally launched with public visibility and stakeholder participation in the coming weeks.
