The Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has described reports alleging that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, directed police personnel to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms” as fake news and a deliberate misrepresentation of the IGP’s remarks.
Force Public Relations Officer Anietie Iniedu, who made this known, said the Inspector-General did not give such a directive during a meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi, Benue State.
Iniedu, in a statement, said the IGP’s comments during the meeting had been taken out of context to mislead the public.
The FPRO, while noting that the IGP merely reminded officers that only duly authorised security personnel are legally permitted to bear firearms, said he also drew attention to the growing proliferation of illegal weapons used by criminals to perpetrate kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related violence, and other serious crimes.
According to him, the Inspector-General reiterated that the use of firearms by police officers is strictly governed by Force Order 237, which outlines the lawful circumstances under which officers may deploy firearms in the course of their duties.
The statement added that the IGP emphasised the need for officers to operate strictly within the confines of the law and adhere to the approved rules governing the use of force.
“The Inspector-General did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order. At no time did he instruct officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found in possession of an illegal firearm,” the statement said.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives, rights, and freedoms of all Nigerians, stressing that police personnel are expected to discharge their responsibilities professionally, lawfully, and with full respect for human rights and the Constitution.
It also urged media organisations and members of the public to verify security-related information before publishing or circulating it, warning that inaccurate reports could create unnecessary panic, misinform the public, and erode public confidence in security institutions.
The statement further encouraged members of the public to watch the full video of the Inspector-General’s address, noting that it accurately reflects his remarks and places them in their proper context.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law fairly, professionally, and within the limits prescribed by the Constitution and other extant laws.
(The Sun)