Nigeria Police Force, has commenced the process of migrating from total dependence on lethal weaponry as first line of operations to use of less lethal weapons like Taser or Stun Guns.

Acting Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, said this at the inauguration of Zonal Security Stakeholders Forum held at Zone 11 Command headquarters along Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State capital.

Adamu said he addressing the root factors that engender conflict and distrust between the citizens and the police.

Adamu, who said police authorities are concerned about issues of misuse of fire arms and sundry abuses of power, further disclosed that under the new policy, personnel on low risk policing duties like routine patrols, arrest duties and civil disorder management will be armed with Taser or Stun Guns as a strategic approach to reduce incidents of fatalities associated with misapplication of lethal weapons by the police when faced with low level threats.

He spoke through Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Logistics at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, Taiwo Lakanu, all the initiatives were directed to close the trust gap between the police and the citizens, create a conducive condition for partnership between the police and the citizens and enhance our potentials for the attainment of our internal security mandate within the context of the principles of community policing.”

Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, who spoke through Secretary to the State Government, Wole Oyebamiji, pledged continued support for the police.

Earlier, the Assistant Inspector General of Police for Zone 11 comprising Osun, Oyo and Ondo State Police Commands, Adeleye Oyebade, said the idea of security stakeholders’ forum was muted “out of burning desire and uncommon willingness to provide robust security for the people of the zonal command.

In his remarks, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu I, called for adequate funding of the police to be able to perform to expectation of Nigerians.

Oba Akanbi also advocated for a legislation that will ensure traditional rulers are financed to be able attend to local issues as the closet to the grassroots.

In attendance were the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji, Larooye II, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba Kunle Oyeyemi, the three police commissioners for Osun, Oyo and Ondo States.