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The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms, saying his remarks were taken out of context.
Several media reports had claimed the IGP gave the directive during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, on Friday.
However, in a statement issued on Saturday, the Force said Disu was referring to Force Order 237, which outlines the legal conditions under which police officers may use firearms.
NIGERIA POLICE FORCE CLARIFIES INSPECTOR-GENERAL’S REMARKS
The Nigeria Police Force has noticed a misleading report claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, ordered police officers to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms.” This claim… https://t.co/C0eHo4ArEf
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) July 25, 2026
The police said the Inspector-General did not issue a blanket shoot-on-sight directive but reminded officers that they were already guided by existing rules of engagement governing the use of force.
According to the statement, officers had been briefed on Force Order 237 and understood when the deployment of firearms was lawful, adding that the Force would not tolerate the possession of illegal weapons or acts of violence.
“At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the Force said.
“What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use, and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.
“He further stressed that illegal arms possession and killings would not be tolerated, “the force said.
The statement urged members of the public to watch the full video of the IGP’s remarks to understand the context of his comments.
“The public is encouraged to view the attached video of the Inspector-General’s actual remarks for the full context,” the Force added.
In the video released by the police, Disu said only security agencies recognised by law were permitted to carry firearms and warned that the illegal possession of weapons would no longer be tolerated.
CLARIFICATION: WHAT THE INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE ACTUALLY SAID IN MAKURDI
At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, did not issue any “shoot-on-sight” order as widely misreported.
What he actually… pic.twitter.com/B4F9BpsYQZ
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) July 25, 2026
He explained that officers had been trained under Force Order 237 and did not require further approval before acting within the limits of the law.
The Inspector-General also expressed concern over the growing number of security personnel killed in the line of duty, saying police officers, soldiers and other operatives had been adequately trained to respond appropriately to threats.
“We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognised to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that.
“You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated. We have given them necessary instructions.
“We have Force Order 237. Police officers have been told they don’t need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms,” Disu said.
He added, “We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of security agencies dying anyhow. They have been instructed, they have been trained to do what is necessary.”
