The Nigerian Police authorities have denied reports that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Tunde Disu ordered police officers to shoot anyone found with illegal arms on sight.
In a statement shared on Force’s verified social handles on Saturday, the Police clarified that during a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, the IGP reminded police personnel that they were the “only security personnel who are legally authorised are allowed to carry firearms.”
The police explained that the Force remains guided by the “Order 237” that governs the the use of firearms by police personnel. According to the Police statement, the IGP lamented that the proliferation of illegal arms was behind the burgeoning security problems Nigeria is battling at the moment.
The statement reads:
“The Nigeria Police Force has noticed a misleading report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, ordered police officers to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms.” This claim is false and does not reflect what the Inspector-General said.
“During the stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State, the Inspector-General did not give any “shoot-on-sight” order. His comments have been taken out of context and wrongly presented to the public.
“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 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.