The Nigeria Police Force has stated that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, did not issue a “shoot-on-sight” order during a recent engagement in Makurdi, Benue State.
The clarification was made in a Saturday statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Ani Iniedu.
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the IGP was reported to have directed police officers across the country to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, as part of intensified efforts to curb insecurity.
But in Saturday’s statement, the force spokesman maintained that the IGP did not issue any “shoot-on-sight” order as widely misreported.
A video of the IGP’s remark at the event posted on Facebook also did not show the police boss giving such order.
Iniedu said, “The Nigeria Police Force has noticed a misleading report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, ordered police officers to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms.” This claim is false and does not reflect what the Inspector-General said.
“During the stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State, the Inspector-General did not give any “shoot-on-sight” order. His comments have been taken out of context and wrongly presented to the public.
“In his address, the IGP reminded officers that only security personnel who are legally authorised are allowed to carry firearms. He also spoke about the growing problem of illegal weapons, which are often used by criminals to carry out kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult violence, and other serious crimes.
“The Inspector-General further reminded police officers that the use of firearms is guided by Force Order 237, which clearly states when an officer may lawfully use a firearm while carrying out official duties. He stressed that officers must always act within the law and follow the approved rules for the use of force. At no time did he instruct officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm.”
(The Sun)