Police reject reports of 'shoot-on-sight' order, clarify IGP didn’t issue the order

ABUJA — The Nigeria Police Force has refuted reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu directed officers nationwide to shoot anyone found carrying illegal firearms on sight, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of his comments.

The clarification was issued on Saturday in a statement titled "Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi," following widespread media reports that interpreted the IGP's remarks at a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, as a nationwide shoot-on-sight directive.

According to the Force Headquarters, Disu was explaining the provisions of Force Order 237, the operational guideline that governs when police officers are legally permitted to use firearms, rather than announcing a new policy.

"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 said.

The police explained that the IGP reminded officers of their training under Force Order 237, emphasizing that they already understand the circumstances in which the lawful use of force is permitted and do not require additional authorization before acting within those legal boundaries.

The Force also said Disu condemned the unlawful possession of firearms and expressed concern over the continued killing of security personnel, while urging members of the public to watch the full video of his address to understand its context.

During the meeting, the IGP reiterated that only duly authorized security personnel are legally allowed to bear firearms.

"You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated."

He also stressed that officers have received the necessary training to respond appropriately to armed threats in accordance with established policing rules.

"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."

The police maintained that the Inspector-General's remarks were intended to reinforce existing operational procedures under Force Order 237 and should not be interpreted as an unrestricted order to use lethal force against anyone found with a firearm.