ABUJA, Nigeria On Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 4:15 p.m. local time, Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu ordered an immediate nationwide audit of arms and ammunition across all police commands. The directive, announced during a high-level security meeting at Force Headquarters in Abuja, followed public outrage over the killing of 28-year-old Mene Ogidi in Delta State and a viral video showing officers shooting him while handcuffed.
Mene Ogidi was killed on Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 2:30 p.m. outside a police checkpoint along NPA Expressway in Warri, Delta State. He had been arrested after officers alleged he was transporting a suspicious package believed to contain a firearm. In the viral footage, Ogidi was seen seated on the ground, handcuffed, and pleading for his life. Despite his appeals, an officer shot him at close range. The incident, widely condemned as an extrajudicial killing, highlighted longstanding concerns about excessive use of force by Nigerian police.
Police authorities confirmed the video’s authenticity and described the conduct as a gross violation of professional standards. Four officers linked to the incident were dismissed, while the primary suspect was arrested and referred for prosecution. Disu emphasized that the nationwide audit would strengthen accountability in weapon handling, prevent misuse of firearms, and restore public trust in the force. The audit will cover all state commands, with inventories of arms and ammunition cross-checked against official records.
Lawmakers quickly weighed in. Senator Adams Oshiomhole of Edo North urged the Federal Government to pair the audit with sweeping reforms, warning that police misconduct undermines democracy. In the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki of Sokoto State called for stronger legislative oversight of police operations, stressing that reforms must be institutionalized rather than reactive. Their interventions underscored the political weight of the directive and the urgency of reform.
Civil society groups welcomed the audit but insisted that justice for Ogidi must remain central. “Inventory checks are important, but Nigerians want transparency and prosecution of those responsible,” said one rights advocate. Families of victims of past police violence echoed the demand, urging authorities to ensure reforms go beyond symbolic gestures. Opposition figures, including members of the Labour Party, described the incident as a test of Nigeria’s commitment to human rights and democratic accountability.
Analysts say the audit could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s policing culture if implemented effectively. By accounting for weapons and enforcing discipline, the move may restore some public confidence in law enforcement. Still, experts caution that without broader reforms including improved training, community engagement, and judicial accountability the cycle of abuse may continue. For now, Disu’s directive signals an attempt to confront a crisis that has shaken trust in Nigeria’s police force.
