Olatunji Disu, the inspector-general of police has directed Commissioners of Police across the country to carry out an immediate and comprehensive audit of all arms and ammunition under their commands.
The directive was issued on Tuesday in Abuja during an emergency meeting with state police commissioners, where the police chief stressed the need for strict accountability and improved operational readiness.
Disu said the audit must be detailed, transparent and properly documented, with reports submitted to Force Headquarters.
He described the exercise as a critical step aimed at identifying gaps, preventing misuse of weapons and ensuring that police resources are effectively deployed.
“This is not a routine administrative task, but a vital measure to strengthen our readiness and safeguard all assets entrusted to the force,” he said.
The police boss also announced a major restructuring of the force’s tactical operations, revealing that the special weapons and tactics units have been reorganised into a new formation known as the violent crime response unit.
According to him, the new unit represents a shift in the country’s approach to tackling serious crimes, with officers receiving specialised training in tactical operations, intelligence gathering, human rights compliance and rules of engagement.
He added that the unit would operate strictly on intelligence, noting that personnel would not be deployed arbitrarily.
Its activities, he said, would be subject to regular review and oversight to ensure professionalism and accountability.
Disu further instructed commissioners to formally inaugurate the unit in their respective states with the involvement of community leaders, stakeholders and the media, in a bid to enhance public trust and transparency.
He emphasised that commissioners would be held responsible for the conduct and performance of the new unit, urging them to ensure discipline and measurable results in the fight against violent crime.
