Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Bornet .k
The Nigeria Police Force has clarified comments made by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, stating that the police chief did not issue any “shoot-on-sight” directive as widely reported in some quarters.
In a statement issued to address public concerns, the police explained that the IGP’s remarks were related to the training and operational guidelines guiding officers on the lawful use of firearms, particularly Force Order 237, which provides the framework for when and how police personnel may deploy weapons during security operations.
According to the clarification, IGP Disu informed stakeholders that police officers had been properly briefed on the provisions of Force Order 237 and understood the legal and operational conditions under which firearms could be used.
The police said the statement was not an instruction for officers to carry out indiscriminate shootings, but rather a reminder that personnel must act within established Rules of Engagement while responding to security threats.
The clarification followed reports suggesting that the Inspector-General had ordered officers to shoot suspected criminals on sight during the meeting in Benue. The police rejected that interpretation, describing it as inaccurate and a misrepresentation of the IGP’s actual remarks.
The Force emphasised that the Nigeria Police remains committed to protecting lives and property while respecting constitutional rights and due process.
During the meeting, IGP Disu also reiterated the police position that illegal possession of firearms, criminal activities and attacks on innocent citizens would not be tolerated.
The police leadership said security personnel have a responsibility to respond firmly to threats, particularly in situations involving armed criminals, but such actions must remain within the boundaries of the law.
The stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi formed part of the police leadership’s engagement with communities and relevant groups on improving security cooperation and addressing challenges affecting Benue State.
Benue has faced persistent security concerns, including attacks linked to armed groups, communal conflicts and criminal activities, making security operations a major issue for residents and government authorities.
The police urged members of the public to rely on verified information and to consider the full context of official statements before drawing conclusions from partial reports or social media interpretations.
The Force encouraged citizens to watch the full video of the Inspector-General’s remarks to better understand the message delivered during the engagement.
Security experts have often stressed the importance of clear communication from security agencies, particularly on sensitive issues involving the use of firearms, to prevent misinformation and public misunderstanding.
The Nigeria Police Force maintained that its officers are trained to apply force only when legally justified and necessary, adding that accountability remains an important part of policing in a democratic society.
The clarification is expected to ease concerns among members of the public who feared that a blanket order had been issued authorising officers to use lethal force without restrictions.
The police reiterated that the fight against crime would continue through lawful operations, intelligence gathering and cooperation with communities across the country.
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