IGP did not issue ‘shoot-on-sight’ order in Benue — Police

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms.

The clarification follows widespread reports published on Friday alleging that the IGP issued a “shoot-on-sight” directive during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Force explained that the IGP was only referring to the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational guidelines regulating when police officers may use firearms.

The statement, titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” was released alongside a video recording of the IGP’s comments at the meeting.

“At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the Force said.

“What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use, and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.

“He further stressed that illegal arms possession and killings would not be tolerated. The public is encouraged to view the attached video of the Inspector-General’s actual remarks for the full context,” the Force added.

In the video released by the police, Disu said: “We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognized to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that.

“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated. We have given them necessary instructions.

“We have Force Order 237. Police officers have been told they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms.”

He further stated: “We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of security agencies dying anyhow. They have been instructed, they have been trained to do what is necessary.”

Force Order 237 contains the Nigeria Police Force’s rules on the use of force and firearms, specifying the situations in which officers may lawfully use their weapons, including cases of self-defence, preventing the escape of felony suspects, or responding to immediate armed threats.