Police Deny IGP Ordered Officers To Shoot Illegal Gun Holders

According to Ireporter Online, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordered officers to shoot individuals found in possession of illegal firearms.

The Force described the reports as false and a misinterpretation of the IGP’s remarks during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police clarified that Disu did not issue any “shoot-on-sight” directive against persons carrying illegal weapons.

According to the statement, the Inspector-General only reminded security stakeholders that the possession of firearms is restricted to authorised personnel and expressed concern over the growing use of illegal weapons by criminals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related activities and other violent offences.

The Force explained that Disu also highlighted the provisions of Force Order 237, which regulates the use of firearms by police officers and specifies the conditions under which weapons may be legally deployed during official operations.

The police stressed that the IGP directed officers to continue carrying out their duties within the boundaries of the law and in line with approved rules governing the use of force.

“At no time did the Inspector-General instruct officers to shoot anyone simply because they were found with an illegal firearm,” the statement noted.

The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and rights of Nigerians, assuring the public that police personnel are expected to operate professionally, responsibly and with respect for human rights.

The Force further urged journalists and members of the public to verify security-related information before sharing it, warning that misinformation could cause unnecessary fear, mislead citizens and damage public confidence in security institutions.