Nigeria Police Denies IGP's 'Shoot-at-Sight' Rumor

The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed rumors that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu directed officers to shoot individuals found with illegal firearms on sight. In a statement issued on Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer ACP Aniete Iniedu, it was clarified that Disu's remarks during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, were taken out of context.

The IGP did not issue any “shoot-at-sight” order, but rather reminded officers that only authorized security personnel may carry firearms under Nigerian law. He addressed the threat posed by illegal weapons, which are often used in serious crimes such as kidnapping and armed robbery.

The police emphasized that the use of firearms is governed by Force Order 237, which outlines lawful circumstances for discharging weapons. The IGP stressed the importance of professionalism and adherence to legal procedures, asserting that no directive was given to shoot suspects merely for possessing illegal firearms.

The police urged the public to verify security-related information to avoid misinformation.