Police deny report of “shoot-on-sight” order by IGP

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu ordered officers to “shoot on sight” anyone found with illegal firearms during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a Saturday statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the Force said the claim was “false” and that the IGP’s remarks were taken out of context.

According to the clarification, the IGP was referring to Force Order 237, which governs the lawful use of firearms by security personnel, and warning about the dangers posed by illegal weapons in crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, and cult violence.

The statement stressed that “at no time did he instruct officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm”.

The Force urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that misleading security reports can create unnecessary fear and undermine trust.

It also enjoined people to watch the full video of the IGP’s remarks for proper context.

The statement further reaffirmed that the police remain committed to “protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerians” and will continue to operate “with professionalism, respect for the law, and respect for human rights”.