The Nigeria Police Force says reports that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, ordered officers to use “shoot-on-sight” or “shoot-at-sight” tactics in Benue State are false. According to the Force, the IGP did not direct personnel to shoot people over alleged illegal firearms, as claimed in some media reports.
In statements carried by multiple outlets, the Force Public Relations Officer, Aniete Iniedu, explains that the IGP’s comments were made during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State. The police say the remarks were taken out of context and were not an instruction to shoot.
Instead, the police point to Force Order 237, which covers the rules and procedures for firearm use by officers. The Force describes the circulating claims as a misrepresentation of what the IGP actually said. Police clarify that any guidance discussed aligns with existing firearms regulations rather than any new “shoot-on-sight” directive.
