Shoot Criminals On Sight!’ Oshiomhole Slams IGP Disu Over Apologetic Security Remark

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North in the National Assembly, has criticised Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, Olatunji Disu, over what he described as an apologetic response to comments on the use of force against criminals.

The criticism follows a clarification by the Nigeria Police Force that the IGP did not issue a “shoot-on-sight” directive. According to the police, Disu was referring to the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational guidelines governing when police officers may use firearms.

Police authorities explained that the IGP had merely informed stakeholders that officers had been adequately briefed on the rules and understood the circumstances under which firearms could lawfully be deployed in line with the established Rules of Engagement.

Reacting during an interview on TVC News, Oshiomhole argued that security personnel should not hesitate to use deadly force against armed criminals.

Questioning the Police Chief’s clarification, the former Edo State governor said he saw no reason for the IGP to appear defensive over the statement.

“That is why I don’t understand why the IGP is apologising by saying he didn’t mean ‘shoot on sight.’ If you see an armed criminal, shoot on sight,” Oshiomhole said.

The senator also praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for challenging a court judgment that sentenced some convicted offenders to life imprisonment instead of imposing the death penalty.

“I have always maintained that judges should apply the law, not personal sentiments,” he said.

“I am pleased that the DSS has appealed the judgment in which individuals who, in my opinion, should have received the death penalty were instead sentenced to life imprisonment.”