Nigerian Police Authorities Deny IGP Disu Ordered 'Shoot-On-Sight' For Illegal Firearm Bearers
The Nigeria Police Force has officially denied reports that Inspector-General Olatunji Rilwan Disu ordered a 'shoot-on-sight' policy for illegal firearm holders. The police clarified that the IGP was merely reiterating existing regulations regarding the lawful use of force.
Why it matters
Clarifying police directives is essential for maintaining public trust and preventing the escalation of violence or misunderstanding regarding law enforcement powers.
The Force added that the Inspector-General also made it clear that illegal possession of arms and violent killings would not be tolerated across the country.
The Nigeria Police Force has denied widespread reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, ordered officers to "shoot on sight" anyone found carrying illegal firearms, insisting that the police chief never issued such a directive during a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
In a clarification issued through a statement on Saturday, the Force said the Inspector-General's remarks had been misrepresented, stressing that he merely reiterated existing rules governing the lawful use of firearms by police personnel.
According to the statement titled, "CLARIFICATION: WHAT THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE ACTUALLY SAID IN MAKURDI," the Force stated, "At a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, did not issue any 'shoot-on-sight' order as widely misreported."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in