Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has called for a more aggressive response to armed criminals, saying security agencies should not hesitate to use force when confronting violent offenders.
The former Edo State governor stated this during an interview on TVC News on Monday while reacting to recent remarks credited to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on the use of firearms by police personnel.
Oshiomhole argued that law enforcement officers should be empowered to decisively confront armed criminals, stressing that public safety must remain the priority.
According to him, security agencies should not appear hesitant in dealing with criminals who threaten lives and public peace.
His comments followed the clarification by the Nigeria Police Force that the Inspector-General did not issue a "shoot-on-sight" directive but only explained the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the circumstances under which officers may lawfully use firearms.
The senator also praised the Department of State Services for appealing a court judgment that sentenced some convicts to life imprisonment instead of imposing the death penalty.
He maintained that judicial officers should apply the law strictly and commended the DSS for pursuing legal steps to challenge the verdict.
Speaking on the country's security situation, Oshiomhole described insecurity as the major hurdle confronting President Bola Tinubu's administration and warned that it could influence the outcome of the next general election if left unchecked.
He urged the President to set clear performance targets for service chiefs and ensure they were held accountable for progress in tackling terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes.
Oshiomhole also said the Federal Government had shown commitment to improving national security through the recruitment of additional military personnel and the establishment of new army divisions across the country.
The lawmaker dismissed suggestions that Tinubu had been inactive in office, insisting that the President had remained visible through policy engagements, official meetings and interactions with stakeholders.
He added that although opposition parties were expected to criticise the government in a democratic setting, Nigerians would ultimately assess the administration based on its ability to improve security and deliver on its promises.
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