False And Misleading’ — Police Reject Reports Of IGP’s Alleged Shoot-on-Sight Order

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, issued a “shoot-on-sight” directive to officers during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that the IGP was merely explaining the existing legal framework governing the use of firearms by police personnel.

According to the statement, Disu did not authorize officers to shoot suspects on sight but reiterated the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the circumstances under which police officers may lawfully use firearms.

The Force said the IGP reminded stakeholders that officers had been adequately briefed on the contents of the order and were expected to apply firearms only in line with the approved Rules of Engagement.

It explained that the Inspector-General’s remarks were intended to reinforce professionalism and compliance with established operational procedures, rather than encourage the indiscriminate use of force.

The Police emphasized that the comments should not be interpreted as an instruction to officers to engage in unlawful or excessive use of firearms.

The statement further noted that the IGP made it clear that the Force would not tolerate the illegal possession of firearms or violent criminal activities, stressing that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

According to the Police, the Inspector-General’s position reflects the Force’s commitment to maintaining public safety while ensuring that officers operate within the limits of the law and approved operational guidelines.

The Force urged members of the public and the media to disregard reports suggesting that the IGP issued a shoot-on-sight order, describing such claims as a distortion of his remarks.

It added that the reports were taken out of context and failed to reflect the full substance of the Inspector-General’s address.

The Police also encouraged the public to watch the complete video of the stakeholders’ meeting to gain a proper understanding of the IGP’s comments and avoid being misled by selective excerpts.

Reaffirming its commitment to professionalism, the Force said all police personnel remain bound by the law and are required to carry out their duties strictly in accordance with the approved Rules of Engagement and other operational guidelines.