The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed as false and misleading reports that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered officers to shoot anyone found with illegal firearms.
In a statement on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu said the claim, which went viral on social media, was taken out of context and does not reflect the IGP’s remarks.
The statement clarified that Disu issued no “shoot-on-sight” directive during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to the Force, the IGP reminded officers that only legally authorised security personnel may carry firearms. He also addressed the rising threat of illegal weapons frequently used in kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult violence and other serious crimes.
Disu stressed that the use of firearms remains governed by Force Order 237, which sets out the circumstances under which an officer may lawfully discharge a weapon in the course of duty. Officers, he said, must act strictly within the law and approved rules on the use of force. At no point did he instruct personnel to shoot anyone solely for possessing an illegal firearm.
The Force reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and rights, insisting that officers must discharge their duties with professionalism, respect for the law and regard for human rights, in line with the Constitution and other relevant statutes.
It urged the public and media houses to verify information before publishing or circulating it, warning that inaccurate reports on security matters can generate needless fear, sow confusion and erode public trust.
The statement invited Nigerians to view the full video of the IGP’s remarks for proper context and reiterated the Force’s determination to enforce the law fairly and within legal bounds.
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