The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Disu, issued a “shoot-on-sight” order against anyone found carrying illegal firearms.
The clarification followed widespread media reports on Friday claiming the IGP had directed police officers to immediately shoot individuals in possession of illegal weapons during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
In a statement released on Saturday and titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” the Force said the reports misrepresented the IGP’s comments.
According to the police, Disu was explaining the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational guidelines governing the use of firearms by police officers.
“At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the statement read.
It added that the IGP told officers they had been briefed on Force Order 237 and understood the circumstances under which they could lawfully deploy firearms in line with the established Rules of Engagement.
The Force said Disu also warned that illegal possession of firearms and violent crimes would not be tolerated, urging members of the public to watch the full video of his remarks for proper context.
In the video released alongside the statement, the IGP said police officers had received clear operational guidance on the lawful use of firearms.
“We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognised to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that,” Disu said.
“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 IGP also expressed concern over the deaths of security personnel, saying officers had been trained to respond appropriately to threats.
“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,” he said.
Force Order 237 is the Nigeria Police Force’s operational guideline on the use of force and firearm.