The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has debunked widespread reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, issued a “shoot-on-sight” order against individuals found carrying illegal firearms.
In an official statement released in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, described the reports as false, misleading, and a misrepresentation of the Inspector-General’s actual statements delivered during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to the Police Force, the IGP’s comments were taken out of context by media platforms. During his address in Makurdi, Disu emphasized that only constitutionally authorized security personnel are permitted to carry firearms, highlighting how the proliferation of illicit weapons fuels criminal activities across the country, including banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult violence.
The statement clarified that at no time did the Inspector-General instruct officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm. Instead, he reminded personnel that any deployment of lethal force is strictly governed by Force Order 237, which outlines the specific legal boundaries, conditions, and procedures for the lawful use of firearms during official duties.
Reaffirming the Force’s commitment to upholding the rule of law, CSP Iniedu stated that police personnel are expected to act within constitutional limits while prioritizing human rights and public safety. The Force remains dedicated to protecting the lives and rights of all Nigerians and will continue to carry out its duties with professionalism and respect for the law.
The police leadership urged media outlets and the public to verify security-related information before dissemination, warning that unverified reports create unnecessary fear, public confusion, and erode trust in national security institutions.
To ensure transparency, the NPF encouraged citizens to review the complete, unedited video recording of the IGP’s remarks at the Benue meeting, which has been made available across official police communication channels.
