Police Deny IGP Disu Issued ‘Shoot-on-Sight’ Order Over Illegal Firearms

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu directed officers to "shoot on sight" anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the reports as false and a misrepresentation of his remarks.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, following widespread media reports on comments made by the police chief during a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

Several reports had claimed that Disu instructed police officers nationwide to immediately shoot anyone found in possession of illegal firearms as part of intensified efforts to combat insecurity.

However, the police said the Inspector-General issued no such directive.

"The Nigeria Police Force has noticed a misleading report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordered police officers to 'shoot anyone with illegal firearms.' This claim is false and does not reflect what the Inspector-General said," the statement read.

According to the Force, Disu's comments during the meeting were taken out of context and incorrectly presented to the public.

The police explained that the Inspector-General merely reminded officers that only duly authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms and expressed concern over the proliferation of illegal weapons, which continue to fuel kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult violence and other violent crimes across the country.

The statement further noted that the IGP emphasised that police officers must continue to operate within the provisions of Force Order 237, the operational guideline that regulates when officers may lawfully use firearms while carrying out their duties.

"He stressed that officers must always act within the law and follow the approved rules for the use of force. At no time did he instruct officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm," the Force said.

The clarification comes a day after reports of the alleged "shoot-on-sight" order generated widespread public debate and concern over the potential implications for policing and the use of force.

The police urged members of the public and media organisations to verify official statements before publication, warning that inaccurate reporting on sensitive security issues could create unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence.

Force Order 237 has remained one of the key operational guidelines governing the use of firearms by police officers in Nigeria. The order permits the use of lethal force only under specific circumstances, including situations where officers or members of the public face an imminent threat of death or serious injury, and requires that such force be applied strictly within the limits of the law.