In a wireless message sent to state police commands across the country from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police threatened to hold supervising officers responsible for any missing firearms.
The Nigeria Police Force has commenced a monthly audit of ammunition as it decried the increasing loss of firearms to hoodlums across the country.
The police blamed the increasing loss of firearms to hoodlums on negligence by men of the force, adding that the menace has been exacerbated by poor knowledge of weapon handling and insensitive deployment of men by senior officers.
In a wireless message sent to state police commands across the country from the Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police threatened to hold supervising officers responsible for any missing firearms.
The memo, obtained by SaharaReporters on Thursday, read, “It has been observed with dismay, the disturbing incidents of avoidable loss of firearms to hoodlums. This has been found traceable to negligence on the part of the men, poor knowledge of weapon handling, insensitive deployment of men by senior officers.
“As such, policemen who should be protecting the citizenry are themselves vulnerable, and have become targets of frequent attacks as they lack the courage to counter any sudden attack.
“Consequently, the Force Headquarters directs you emplace urgent measures to stem the ugly tide. You are to immediately design, embark on aggressive training on muskets firearm handling, as any loss of firearms will not be tolerated. Supervising officers will be held responsible.
“You are further directed to carry out an audit on arms and ammunition yours and furnish mine with a comprehensive report. You are also directed to be rendering monthly returns of arms and ammunition on or before 23rd of every month.”
