Use your firearms lawfully when in danger, IG tells police officers

Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) has advised personnel of the force to make use of their firearms if their is threatened.

Mr Adamu who is currently touring states and accessing the level of damage done to police stations during the now halted  nationwide protests demanding reforms of the entire force gave the directive yesterday in a video clip published by Channels Television.

While several police barracks came under attacks after the protests snowballed into violence by suspected hoodlums, some officers were killed in the process.

The police boss had last month said 22 policemen died while 205 stations were set ablaze during the escalation of violence.

“All that happened in terms of attacks on the police and police stations, should not stop us from coming out to perform our constitutional duties,” Adamu briefed the force personnel.

“But while we are performing this constitutional duties, we must also protect ourselves because every policeman is a human being and is also entitled to human rights protection.

“Don’t forget your force order 237. You read and digest it very well. You know when you should use your firearms. You use your firearms in a lawful manner.

“One of the ways you use your firearms is when your life is in danger and there is no other way through, then you use your firearms. Does it make sense for a policeman to die when he is carrying a rifle?,” he queried the audience who responded negatively.