Some security experts and lawyers in Lagos on Saturday commended the Nigeria Police for the proposed adoption of stun guns to reduce casualties from misuse of firearms by its men.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the I-G, Mr Solomon Arase, made this known in a news conference in Abuja on Feb. 3.

It was against the backdrop of the development that some of the stakeholders told NAN in separate interviews that it was the right step to take.

Mr Tunde Lawal, a lawyer, said that it was a good development, adding that the introduction of stun guns to replace firearms would reduce cases of accidental discharge and extra judicial killing.

“This is a good development from the Nigeria Police as this will gradually put an end to cases of accidental discharge or extra judicial killings.”

In the same vein, Mr Alex Ovili, a security consultant, also commended the plans of the Nigerian Police, and stressed that it would reduce the number of casualties from their irrational acts.

“The introduction of stun guns by the Nigeria Police will make it easier for police to arrest more suspects.

“It will also aid their investigations instead of losing suspects to fatal gunshot.”

Mr Jide Ageaga, Head of Operations at Pendulum Securities, however, advised that the police should be strategic and tactical in the handling and distribution of the equipment.

Ageaga said that the police should ensure that hardened criminals don’t take advantage of the plan to wreak more havoc on the society.

"The police needs to be trained on how to use these stun guns in a way that they don't allow criminals take advantage of the situation and take the policemen for granted.”

Meanwhile, a retired military personnel, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that it was a long awaited development, which scholars and experts in crime and intelligence had recommended long ago.

“It is indeed a welcome development because the recommendation had been made long ago.”

Mr Isaac Omoziele, a legal practitioner, also corroborated what the retired military personnel had said.

“It’s a long awaited development from the Nigeria Police, as this will emphasise the saying that the Police is truly your friend.

“Developments like this should keep coming to the Nigeria Police in order to reposition the institution for the onerous task of policing the country.” (NAN)

•Photo shows IGP Arase.

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