‘IGP Disu’s Benue Remarks on Illegal Firearms Distorted’ – Police Debunk Viral ‘Shoot-On-Sight’ Order

• Nigeria Police Force dismisses as false viral reports alleging that IGP Olatunji Disu ordered officers to shoot anyone found in possession of illegal firearms.

• Force clarifies that the Inspector-General merely reiterated that only authorised security personnel are permitted by law to carry firearms and warned against the proliferation of illegal weapons.

• Disu reminds officers that Force Order 237 and the Constitution remain the legal framework governing the use of firearms and the application of lethal force by police personnel.

• Police caution media organisations and the public against spreading unverified security reports, warning that misinformation could fuel fear and undermine confidence in law enforcement.

July 25, () — The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has strongly refuted widespread reports alleging that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, directed officers to shoot anyone found in possession of illegal firearms.

He described the claim as false, misleading, and a deliberate distortion of his remarks during a stakeholders’ security meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Force said the viral reports, which spread rapidly across social media and some online news platforms, falsely portrayed the Police Chief as issuing a “shoot-on-sight” order, stressing that no such directive was given.

The clarification comes amid heightened public concern over the country’s worsening security situation and renewed debate over police use of force, particularly as security agencies intensify efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal firearms.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police leadership said the Inspector-General’s comments had been deliberately taken out of context, insisting that his address focused on lawful policing and the enforcement of existing firearms regulations.

“The Nigeria Police Force has noticed a misleading report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, 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,” the statement said.

According to the Force Headquarters, the IGP reminded officers that under Nigerian law, only duly authorised security personnel are permitted to carry firearms, adding that the growing circulation of illegal weapons remains one of the biggest enablers of violent crimes nationwide.

The police noted that Disu called on officers to intensify lawful efforts aimed at recovering illicit weapons from criminal elements while remaining guided by professionalism, discipline, and respect for the rule of law.

Force Order 237 Remains Operational Guide

The statement further explained that the Inspector-General specifically reminded officers that the deployment of firearms by police personnel is governed by Force Order 237, which clearly defines the circumstances under which officers may lawfully use firearms in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

According to the police, Disu stressed that every officer must comply strictly with the provisions of Force Order 237, the Constitution, and other extant laws regulating the use of force.

“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,” the statement added.

The Force reiterated that safeguarding lives and property remains its constitutional responsibility, noting that all policing operations must be conducted with professionalism, accountability, and full respect for the rights of citizens.

It added that officers are expected to exercise restraint and sound judgment in situations involving the possible use of force, in line with both domestic laws and internationally recognised human rights standards.

Police Warn Against Misinformation

The police also cautioned media organisations, bloggers, and members of the public against disseminating inaccurate or unverified reports on security matters, warning that misinformation could generate unnecessary panic, mislead citizens, and undermine public confidence in security institutions.

“The Force therefore advises members of the public and media organisations to verify information before publishing or sharing it. Misleading reports on security matters can create unnecessary fear, confuse the public, and damage trust in security institutions,” the statement said.

To address the controversy, the Force encouraged Nigerians to watch the complete video of the Inspector-General’s address delivered during the Makurdi stakeholders’ meeting, maintaining that the footage clearly reflects the context of his remarks and debunks claims that he authorised officers to shoot anyone found with illegal firearms.

“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians and will continue to enforce the law fairly, professionally, and within the limits of the law,” the statement concluded.

The controversy erupted after excerpts from the Inspector-General’s address were widely circulated online without the full context of his remarks.

The stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi was convened as part of ongoing consultations on addressing the persistent security challenges in Benue State, one of the regions hardest hit by recurring attacks linked to armed groups, communal conflicts, and the widespread circulation of illegal weapons.

The police clarification is aimed at preventing public misunderstanding while reaffirming that law enforcement operations must remain firmly anchored on the Constitution, Force Order 237, and established rules of engagement.