IGP Denies 'Shoot-on-Sight' Order Amid Public Outcry, Police Clarify Stance on Illegal Firearms!

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, visited Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Friday, July 24, for a critical stakeholders’ meeting at the Government House. The meeting was convened as part of concerted efforts to address the pervasive insecurity plaguing Benue State, a directive personally issued by President Bola Tinubu, who emphasized that the insecurity in the state must be brought to an end. Disu’s presence and remarks during this gathering garnered significant media attention, particularly regarding the use of firearms by security personnel.

Initial media reports on Friday widely stated that IGP Disu had directed police officers across the country to “shoot on sight” anyone found carrying illegal firearms. These reports indicated that Disu had emphasized that only authorized security personnel were legally permitted to bear firearms, declaring that moving around freely with arms as if there were no law and order would not be tolerated. He was quoted as saying that officers were empowered under Force Order 237 to respond decisively to armed threats without needing directives from superior officers, lamenting the continuous loss of police officers, soldiers, and other security agency members.

However, the Nigeria Police Force subsequently issued a clarification on Saturday, titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” refuting the widespread “shoot-on-sight” reports. The Force stated that IGP Disu did not issue any such order as widely misreported. Instead, the IGP was referring to the provisions of Force Order 237, which serves as the guiding framework for the legal and operational use of firearms by police officers.

The clarification elaborated that IGP Disu had explained that officers had been thoroughly briefed on the provisions of Force Order 237 and were clear on when it was appropriate to use their weapons, strictly in line with established rules of engagement. He reiterated that only authorized security personnel are permitted to carry firearms, and that the illegal possession of firearms and associated killings would not be tolerated. The IGP stressed that officers had been instructed and trained to do what was necessary within the bounds of the law, without the need to wait for approval from superior officers in situations where the law permitted the use of force.

Force Order 237 comprehensively outlines the circumstances under which police officers may legally use force and firearms. These circumstances include acting in self-defence, responding to immediate armed threats, and preventing the escape of suspects accused of serious offences. Disu underscored the severe toll insecurity takes on the nation’s security apparatus, stating, “We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying anyhow.” He also made a crucial appeal to the public, calling on residents to support security agencies with credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains paramount to the success of the fight against insecurity in Benue State and across the country.

The directives and subsequent clarification highlight the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing the persistent security challenges, particularly in regions like Benue State, which has endured repeated attacks by armed groups in recent months. The focus remains on empowering security personnel with the necessary legal frameworks and training to maintain law and order, while also ensuring public trust and adherence to due process in combating criminal elements.