The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all state commands to strengthen accountability and prevent misuse of operational assets.

The directive follows public outrage over a viral video showing police officers allegedly shooting a restrained and handcuffed man at close range after a suspicious package was discovered.

Addressing senior officers in Abuja on Tuesday, the IGP mandated all Commissioners of Police to conduct a comprehensive and transparent stocktaking of arms and ammunition, with detailed reports to be submitted to the Force Headquarters within a stipulated timeframe.

“The objective is clear: to strengthen accountability, identify existing gaps, and provide an accurate assessment of our operational needs,” Disu said, stressing that the exercise is a critical operational measure rather than a routine administrative task.

In response to the incident, four officers of the Nigeria Police Force, led by ASP Nuhu Usman, have been dismissed from service. Their case files have also been forwarded to the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation for prosecution.

Condemning the act, the IGP described it 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, adding that accountability would be pursued to its full extent.

Disu also directed Commissioners of Police to hold regular town hall meetings with key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth and women groups, and transport unions, as part of efforts to strengthen community policing.

To improve accessibility, he ordered that Commissioners make their contact details available to community leaders, encouraging direct engagement.

“If you see something, say something. We are listening, and we will act,” he urged citizens.

In a related development, the IGP announced a restructuring of the police anti-crime framework with the creation of a new formation, the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), to replace the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units.

According to him, the VCRU will feature specialised training in tactical operations, human rights compliance, intelligence analysis, and rules of engagement, with built-in civilian oversight to ensure accountability.

He added that Commissioners of Police would retain full command responsibility for the unit in their respective states and directed that its rollout include public engagement and stakeholder participation.