Jelili Gbadamosi
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed officers in Benue State to shoot anyone found in possession of illegal firearms, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of his remarks.
The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, who said the Inspector-General’s comments during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, had been taken out of context.
According to the police, the IGP merely reminded officers that the possession of firearms is restricted to legally authorised security personnel and expressed concern over the growing use of illegal weapons by criminals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cult-related violence.
The statement added that Disu also reminded officers that the use of firearms is governed by Force Order 237, which clearly stipulates the circumstances under which police personnel may lawfully use firearms in the course of their duties without requiring prior approval from superior authorities.
The Force stressed that the Inspector-General did not issue any shoot-on-sight directive and reaffirmed that police officers are expected to carry out their responsibilities in line with the Constitution, extant laws and established policing procedures while respecting the fundamental rights of citizens.
The Nigeria Police Force also urged media organisations and members of the public to verify information before publishing or sharing it, warning that inaccurate reports on security issues could cause unnecessary panic and undermine public confidence in security institutions.
