Police deny shoot-on-sight claims…

The Force Headquarters has refuted reports alleging that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu directed officers to shoot anyone found in possession of illegal firearms, describing the claims as false and a misrepresentation of his remarks.

Key Highlights

• Police dismiss claim: The Force Headquarters has denied reports that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered officers to shoot anyone found with illegal firearms.
• Claims described as false: The police said the reports misrepresented the IGP’s remarks made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
• Focus on illegal arms: Disu reminded officers that firearm possession is restricted to authorised security personnel and raised concerns over the increasing use of illegal weapons by criminals.
• Force Order 237 reaffirmed: The IGP emphasised that officers must comply with Force Order 237, which governs the lawful use of firearms by police personnel.
• No “shoot-on-sight” directive: The police stressed that the IGP never instructed officers to shoot anyone solely for possessing an illegal firearm.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police clarified that the inspector general of police did not issue any “shoot-on-sight” directive during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State.

According to the statement, Disu only reminded officers that the possession of firearms is legally restricted to authorised security personnel and expressed concern over the growing use of illegal weapons by criminals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cultism and other violent crimes.

The police explained that the Disu also reiterated that officers must comply with Force Order 237, which clearly outlines the legal circumstances under which police personnel may discharge their firearms while carrying out official duties.

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“The inspector general stressed that officers must always act within the law and follow the approved rules on 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 said.

The police reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerians, stressing that police officers are expected to perform their duties professionally, lawfully and with full respect for human rights.

It also urged journalists and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that inaccurate reports on security matters could cause unnecessary panic, mislead the public and undermine confidence in the nation’s security institutions.