The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu directed officers to shoot anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the reports as a distortion of his remarks.
In a statement issued on Saturday, July 25, Force Public Relations Officer, Aniete Iniedu, said the police chief never gave a “shoot-on-sight” directive during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to the Force, the IGP’s comments were taken out of context and misrepresented to the public.
The statement explained that Disu merely reminded officers that only security personnel legally authorised under Nigerian law are permitted to possess firearms.
The IGP also raised concerns over the increasing circulation of illegal weapons, noting that they have become tools for criminal activities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related violence and other violent offences.
The police further stated that the IGP reminded officers that the use of firearms is regulated by Force Order 237, which outlines the circumstances under which police personnel may lawfully discharge their weapons while performing official duties.
He stressed that officers must always operate within the law and adhere strictly to established rules governing the use of force.
The Force maintained that at no point did the IGP instruct police personnel to shoot individuals solely because they were in possession of illegal firearms.
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“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerians. The Force will continue to carry out its duties with professionalism, respect for the law, and respect for human rights.
“Officers are expected to perform their duties responsibly and in line with the Constitution and other relevant laws.
“The Force therefore advises members of the public and media organisations 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.
“For clarity, the Nigeria Police Force encourages members of the public to watch the attached video of the Inspector-General’s complete remarks. The video clearly shows what he said and puts his comments in the proper context.
“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 limits of the law,” the statement read.
The clarification comes after reports circulated on social media and some news platforms suggesting that the IGP had ordered officers to shoot anyone found carrying prohibited firearms, a claim the police insist is inaccurate.
Force Order 237 regulates the use of firearms by police officers in Nigeria and requires that lethal force be used only in legally permitted situations.