The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, issued a “shoot-on-sight” directive against individuals found carrying illegal firearms, describing the reports as inaccurate and taken out of context.
The clarification follows widespread media reports on Friday, July 24, which alleged that the police chief, while addressing a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, instructed officers to shoot anyone found in possession of illegal weapons.
The reports generated public concern and sparked widespread debate over the implications of such an order, particularly regarding the rules governing the use of force by law enforcement officers.
However, in a statement released on Saturday, the Force Headquarters refuted the reports, insisting that the Inspector-General did not issue any blanket “shoot-on-sight” directive during the meeting.
Instead, the police explained that the IGP’s remarks were made in reference to Force Order 237, the operational guideline that regulates the circumstances under which police officers may lawfully use firearms while carrying out their duties.
The statement, titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” was accompanied by a video recording of the IGP’s address, which the Force urged members of the public and the media to watch in full to understand the context of his comments.
According to the police, Disu reminded officers that they had been adequately briefed on the provisions of Force Order 237 and the established Rules of Engagement governing the deployment of firearms.
The Force stressed that the Inspector-General’s message was aimed at reinforcing compliance with existing operational procedures rather than introducing a new directive authorising indiscriminate use of lethal force.
“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 statement said.
The Force further explained that the IGP merely reiterated that police officers are already familiar with the legal framework guiding the use of firearms during law enforcement operations.
“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,” the statement added.
According to the police, Disu also warned that the Force would not tolerate the proliferation of illegal firearms or the continued wave of violent crimes involving armed individuals.
The clarification noted that the IGP condemned unlawful possession of weapons and acts of violence, stressing that those engaged in criminal activities would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“He further stressed that illegal arms possession and killings would not be tolerated,” the Force said.
Police authorities urged journalists and members of the public to rely on verified information and official communications before drawing conclusions from public statements.
They also encouraged the public to watch the video of the Inspector-General’s address to appreciate the full context of his remarks and avoid the spread of misinformation.
The clarification comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the country, particularly in Benue State, where recurring attacks, armed violence and communal clashes have continued to pose significant security challenges.
The stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi was convened as part of ongoing efforts by security agencies and government officials to strengthen collaboration with local communities and develop strategies for tackling insecurity in the state.
Force Order 237, referenced by the Inspector-General, outlines the legal principles governing the use of firearms by police personnel. The operational guideline requires officers to apply force only when necessary and in accordance with the law, particularly in situations involving threats to life or serious violence.
By issuing the clarification, the Nigeria Police Force sought to reassure the public that there has been no change to its rules governing the use of force and that officers remain bound by existing legal and operational procedures in the discharge of their duties.
The Force reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights while continuing efforts to combat crime and ensure the safety and security of lives and property across the country.
