Police deny IGP Olatunji Disu issued shoot-on-sight order for illegal firearm carriers

Police deny IGP Olatunji Disu issued shoot-on-sight order for illegal firearm carriers

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports alleging that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu ordered officers to adopt a shoot-on-sight policy against anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the claims as false, misleading and a misrepresentation of the police chief’s remarks.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said the reports, which circulated widely on social media and some online platforms, took the IGP’s comments out of context and created a false impression that he had authorised the summary execution of individuals found with illegal weapons.

According to the Force Headquarters, the controversial remarks were made during a stakeholders’ security meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, where the IGP addressed security challenges facing the state and other parts of the country.

The police clarified that at no point during the meeting did IGP Disu instruct officers to shoot anyone merely for possessing an illegal firearm. Instead, he reminded officers that only security personnel legally authorised under Nigerian law are permitted to carry firearms and stressed the growing threat posed by the proliferation of illegal weapons across the country.

The IGP noted that criminal groups, including kidnappers, armed robbers, bandits, cultists and other violent offenders, continue to rely on illegally acquired firearms to carry out attacks, making it imperative for law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to recover such weapons and prosecute offenders in accordance with the law.

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The police further explained that the IGP’s remarks focused on the enforcement of Force Order 237, the operational guideline that regulates the lawful use of firearms by police officers while performing their official duties.

According to the Force, Force Order 237 clearly outlines the circumstances under which police officers may use firearms, including situations involving self-defence, the protection of lives, preventing the escape of dangerous suspects, or responding to an imminent threat capable of causing death or serious injury. The guideline does not permit officers to shoot individuals solely because they are found in possession of illegal firearms.

“The Inspector-General reminded officers that the use of firearms is governed by Force Order 237 and that every police officer must operate strictly within the law and approved Rules of Engagement. At no time did he issue a shoot-on-sight directive,” the statement said.

The clarification followed widespread reports suggesting that the police chief had introduced a nationwide shoot-on-sight policy, prompting public concern and debate over the legality of such an order.

The Nigeria Police Force maintained that the reports were inaccurate and urged Nigerians to rely only on official police communication channels for verified information relating to national security.

The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the 1999 Constitution, respecting the fundamental human rights of all Nigerians and ensuring that policing operations comply with existing laws and professional standards.

It stressed that officers are expected to perform their duties responsibly, lawfully and with respect for due process, adding that the use of force must always remain proportionate, necessary and consistent with established policing guidelines.

The police further warned that the circulation of misleading reports on security matters could create unnecessary fear, undermine public confidence in law enforcement agencies and hamper ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity across the country.

To address the controversy, the Force released the full video of the IGP’s remarks during the Makurdi stakeholders’ meeting, saying the recording provides the complete context of his comments and clearly shows that no shoot-on-sight directive was issued.

Reiterating its position, the Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians that it remains committed to protecting lives and property, combating violent crime and enforcing the law professionally while operating within the limits of the Constitution, Force Order 237 and other relevant legal provisions.

Police deny IGP Olatunji Disu issued shoot-on-sight order for illegal firearm carriers