The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to medical professionals nationwide, stating that they should provide treatment to gunshot victims without requiring a police report.
Egbetokun emphasized that this directive is in accordance with the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act of 2017. In an internal police memorandum dated October 25, 2023, and addressed to all Deputy Inspectors-General of Police, Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police, and Commandants of Police Colleges in Ikeja, Kaduna, Oji-River, Maiduguri, and Enugu, the IGP urged its wide dissemination to ensure public awareness of compliance with national law.
He conveyed the message, saying, “I am forwarding a copy of letter HMSH&SW/IG/CTCV/10/2023 dated 3rd October, 2023, received from the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare on the subject mentioned above. The Inspector-General of Police directs that you strictly adhere to and enforce the provisions of the Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act 2017 without any reservations. Furthermore, the Inspector-General of Police instructs that you incorporate this into educational programs and distribute it widely to ensure that the public is informed about our adherence to national legislation.”
