IG did not issue ‘shoot-on-sight’ order in Benue – Police

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports calling the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a “shoot-on-sight” order against people carrying illegal arms.

On Friday, July 24, it was widely reported that the police chief while speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Benue, ordered police officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms.

However, in a clarification issued on Saturday, the Force said the IGP had been referring to Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for the use of firearms by police officers.

The clarification, titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” was accompanied by a video of Disu’s remarks at the meeting.

“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.

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.

He further stressed that illegal arms possession and k!llings would not be tolerated. The public is encouraged to view the attached video of the Inspector-General’s actual remarks for the full context,” the Force said