The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms during his recent visit to Benue State.
The clarification followed media reports suggesting that the police chief issued a “shoot-on-sight” order while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi on Friday.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Force explained that the IGP merely referred to the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational framework guiding police officers on the use of firearms.
The statement, titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” was accompanied by a video recording of Disu’s address to provide the full context of his remarks.
“At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the Force stated.
“What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use, and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.
“He further stressed that illegal arms possession and killings would not be tolerated. The public is encouraged to view the attached video of the Inspector-General’s actual remarks for the full context,” the statement added.
In the video, Disu reiterated that only legally authorised security personnel are permitted to carry firearms and warned against the unlawful possession of weapons.
“We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognized to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated. We have given them necessary instructions.
“We have Force Order 237. Police officers have been told they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms.”
The Inspector-General also expressed concern over the increasing number of security personnel killed in the line of duty.
“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of security agencies dying anyhow. They have been instructed, they have been trained to do what is necessary.”
Force Order 237 is the operational guideline regulating the use of force and firearms by members of the Nigeria Police Force.
It stipulates the circumstances under which officers may lawfully use firearms, including self-defence, preventing the escape of felony suspects and responding to imminent armed threats.
