Police Deny IGP's 'Shoot-on-Sight' Order on Firearms

The Nigeria Police Force has refuted claims that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu issued a "shoot-on-sight" directive for individuals carrying illegal firearms. This clarification was made through Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu, who stated that the media misinterpreted Disu's remarks during a high-level security meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

Iniedu emphasized that Disu's comments were taken out of context, as he was reminding officers that only legally authorized personnel can carry firearms in public. He reiterated that the use of force is governed by Force Order 237, which outlines the legal parameters for firearm deployment.

Disu expressed frustration over the casualties among security personnel due to armed criminal groups and stated that security agencies would not tolerate the proliferation of illegal weapons. He urged local citizens to support law enforcement by providing credible information.