Police debunk viral ‘shoot on sight’ order – THIS

By Ayo Kehinde

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked widespread reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, ordered officers to shoot anyone found in possession of illegal firearms.

He described the claim as false, misleading and a deliberate distortion of his remarks during a security stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Force said the viral reports, which spread rapidly on social media and some online news platforms, falsely portrayed the police chief as having issued a “shoot on sight” order, stressing that no such directive had been given.

The clarification comes amid growing public concern over the country’s worsening security situation and renewed debate over the use of force by police, particularly as security agencies step up efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms.

The force’s public relations officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, on Saturday said the inspector general’s comments were deliberately taken out of context, insisting that his speech focused on lawful policing and enforcement of existing firearms regulations.

“The Nigeria Police Force has noted a misleading report stating that the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, has ordered police officers to ‘shoot anyone with illegal firearms’.

“This statement is false and does not reflect what the Inspector General said. During the stakeholders meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State, the Inspector General did not give any ‘shoot on sight’ order.

“His comments were taken out of context and mispresented to the public,” the statement read.

According to the force headquarters, the IGP reminded officers that under Nigerian law, only duly authorized security personnel are permitted to carry firearms, adding that the growing circulation of illegal weapons remains one of the major factors facilitating violent crimes nationwide.

Police noted that Disu called on officers to intensify legal efforts aimed at recovering illicit weapons from criminal elements, while remaining guided by professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law.

The statement further explains that the Inspector General specifically reminded officers that the use of firearms by law enforcement personnel is governed by Force Order 237, which clearly defines the circumstances under which officers may lawfully use firearms in carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.

According to the police, Disu stressed that every officer must strictly comply with the provisions of Force Order 237, the Constitution and other existing laws regulating the use of force.

“He also spoke about the growing problem of illegal weapons, which are often used by criminals to carry out kidnappings, armed robberies, banditry, sectarian violence and other serious crimes.

“The Inspector General also reminded police officers that the use of firearms is regulated by Force Order 237, which clearly establishes when an officer may legally use a firearm while carrying out official duties.

“He emphasized that officers must always act within the law and follow approved rules for the use of force. At no time did he instruct officers to shoot someone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm,” the statement added.

The Force reiterated that the safeguarding of lives and property remains its constitutional responsibility, underlining that all police operations must be conducted with professionalism, responsibility and full respect for citizens’ rights.

It added that officers are expected to exercise restraint and good judgment in situations involving the possible use of force, in line with both national laws and internationally recognized human rights standards.

Police also warned media, bloggers and members of the public against spreading inaccurate or unverified reports on security matters, warning that disinformation could generate unnecessary panic, mislead citizens and undermine public trust in security institutions.

“The Force therefore advises members of the public and media organizations to verify information before publishing or sharing it. Misleading reports on security matters can create unnecessary fear, confuse the public and damage trust in security institutions,” the statement read.

To address the controversy, the Force encouraged Nigerians to watch the full video of the Inspector General’s speech delivered at the Makurdi stakeholders meeting, arguing that the footage clearly reflects the context of his remarks and debunks claims that he authorized officers to shoot anyone found with illegal firearms.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians and will continue to enforce the law fairly, professionally and within the bounds of the law,” the statement concluded.

The stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi was convened as part of ongoing consultations on how to address persistent security challenges in Benue State, one of the regions worst affected by recurrent attacks linked to armed groups, communal conflicts and widespread circulation of illegal weapons.

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