Pat Stevens/
The Nigeria Police Force on Saturday moved to dispel widespread reports that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, had ordered officers to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms”, insisting that his remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, had been misrepresented and taken out of context.
In two separate statements issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police said the Inspector-General neither gave a “shoot-on-sight” directive nor authorised officers to open fire on anyone merely for possessing an illegal weapon. Rather, the Force said Disu reminded officers that the use of firearms remains strictly regulated by Force Order 237 and must always comply with established rules of engagement and the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force has noticed a misleading report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordered police officers to ‘shoot anyone with illegal firearms’. This claim is false and does not reflect what the Inspector-General said,” the statement read.
According to the police, Disu’s comments came during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, where security agencies have been intensifying efforts to curb persistent violence linked to armed criminal groups, including kidnappers, bandits and cultists.
The Force said the Inspector-General reminded officers that only legally authorised security personnel are permitted to bear firearms and warned against the proliferation of illegal weapons, which it described as a major driver of violent crimes across the country.
“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 statement said.
The police stressed that Disu’s reference to Force Order 237 was intended to reinforce existing operational procedures governing the lawful use of force rather than expand police powers.
“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.”
In a separate clarification, the Force said the Inspector-General merely informed officers that they had been briefed on Force Order 237 and understood “when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement”, while emphasising that illegal possession of firearms and killings would not be tolerated.
Force Order 237, which has long governed police use of force, permits officers to discharge firearms only under specified circumstances, including self-defence, defence of others against imminent threat of death or serious injury, preventing particularly serious crimes involving grave threats to life, or effecting the arrest of dangerous suspects who pose such threats and cannot be apprehended by less extreme means.
The order has undergone revisions in recent years following sustained public scrutiny over police conduct and efforts to align operational procedures more closely with constitutional protections and international human rights standards.
The latest clarification comes against the backdrop of heightened security concerns in Benue State, where communities have continued to grapple with recurring attacks by armed groups despite increased deployments by security agencies.
The Police reiterated that the Force remained committed to protecting both public safety and fundamental rights.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerians. The Force will continue to carry out its duties with professionalism, respect for the law, and respect for human rights. Officers are expected to perform their duties responsibly and in line with the Constitution and other relevant laws,” the statement said.
The Force also urged journalists and members of the public to verify security-related information before publication or circulation, warning that inaccurate reports could generate unnecessary panic and undermine confidence in law enforcement institutions.
For transparency, the Police encouraged the public to watch the full video of the Inspector-General’s remarks, saying it accurately reflects the context of his comments and demonstrates that no “shoot-on-sight” instruction was issued.
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