The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu ordered officers to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms,” describing the claim as a distortion of his remarks at a security stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State on Thursday.
The Force said the reports, which have circulated on some media and social media platforms, misrepresented the Inspector-General’s remarks and created the false impression that he had issued a “shoot-on-sight” directive.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the Police described the claim as false and urged members of the public to disregard the misleading reports.
According to Iniedu, “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.”
He explained that the Inspector-General, while speaking during the stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, did not issue any “shoot-on-sight” order, adding that his comments had been taken out of context and wrongly presented to the public.
“During the stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State, the Inspector-General did not give any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order. His comments have been taken out of context and wrongly presented to the public,” Iniedu stated.
The Force spokesman said the IGP merely reminded officers that only duly authorized security personnel are permitted by law to bear firearms, while expressing concern over the increasing proliferation of illegal weapons used by criminal elements to perpetrate kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult violence and other violent crimes.
According to him, “In his address, the IGP reminded officers that only security personnel who are legally authorised are allowed to carry firearms. He also spoke about the growing problem of illegal weapons, which are often used by criminals to carry out kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult violence and other serious crimes.”
Iniedu further clarified that the Inspector-General emphasized the need for officers to strictly comply with the provisions of Force Order 237, which regulates the lawful use of firearms by police personnel.
He stressed that the IGP’s message was centered on professionalism, accountability and adherence to established rules of engagement.
“The Inspector-General further reminded police officers that the use of firearms is guided by Force Order 237, which clearly states when an officer may lawfully use a firearm while carrying out official 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 statement added.
The Police urged media organizations and the public to verify sensitive security-related information before publication or circulation, warning that inaccurate reports could undermine public confidence and create unnecessary tension.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to lawful, professional and accountable policing, while assuring Nigerians that all officers remain bound by the Constitution, existing laws and established operational guidelines in the discharge of their duties.
