Police Deny IGP Disu Issued Shoot-at-Sight Order
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, directed officers to adopt a “shoot-at-sight” policy against individuals found with illegal firearms.

Force Public Relations Officer, Aniete Iniedu, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the IGP did not give any such order during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
The police spokesperson explained that the IGP’s remarks were taken out of context and wrongly presented to the public.

According to the statement, IGP Disu only reminded officers that the possession and use of firearms are restricted to security personnel legally authorised to carry them.
The police said the IGP also raised concerns over the increasing circulation of illegal weapons, which criminals allegedly use for kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related violence and other crimes.

The statement noted that the use of firearms by police officers remains guided by Force Order 237, which permits officers to use weapons only in lawful circumstances while performing official duties.
The Force PRO stressed that officers must operate within the provisions of the law and follow approved procedures on the use of force.
“The IGP at no time instructed officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm,” the statement said.

The police assured Nigerians that the force remains committed to protecting lives, respecting human rights and carrying out its duties professionally and in line with the Constitution.

The statement also urged members of the public and media organisations to verify information before sharing reports, warning that inaccurate security reports could create unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence.
The police further encouraged Nigerians to watch the full video of the IGP’s remarks, saying it provides the proper context of his comments.