IGP Orders Police To Enforce Mandatory Gunshot Victim Treatment

THE Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed officers in charge of all police departments, formations, training colleges and squads to “comply and enforce” the compulsory treatment of gunshot victims without hesitation.

The IGP also directed heads of the different commands and departments to enlighten the public on the police compliance with the law.

The directive was contained in a later dated 25 October, 2023 and signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, Olatunji Disu.

It was gathered that the directive from police boss was as a result of an earlier letter from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare on the same subject.

The letter from the Force Headquarters in Abuja reads: “I write to convey the directive of the IGP that you comply with and enforce the provision of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshots Act 2017 without any hesitation.

“The Inspector General of Police further directs that you make this a subject of lecture and circulate widely for the members of the public to be aware of our compliance with the national law.

“The new directive from the police headquarters is expected to save the lives of victims of gunshots.”

Many people have lost their lives following the refusal of hospitals to treat victims of gunshots without a police report.