Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms in Benue State.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force said the remarks made by the IGP during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi had been widely misinterpreted, stressing that no such directive was given.
According to the police, Disu’s comments were a reference to Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational guidelines governing the use of firearms by police officers.
“At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the Force stated.
“What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use, and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.”
The police added that the IGP had emphasised that illegal possession of arms and violent crimes would not be tolerated and urged the public to watch the full video of his remarks for proper context.
In the video released alongside the clarification, Disu said, “We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognized to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated. We have given them necessary instructions.
“We have Force Order 237. Police officers have been told they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms.”
He added, “We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of security agencies dying anyhow. They have been instructed, they have been trained to do what is necessary.”
Force Order 237 sets out the circumstances under which police officers may lawfully use force or firearms, including self-defence, responding to immediate armed threats and preventing the escape of suspects accused of serious crimes.
