The Police have clarified the misinterpretation of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, during his working visit to Benue State. The Force Headquarters dismissed reports that the IGP ordered police officers to shoot anyone found with illegal firearms.

The Force Public Relations Officer, FPRO, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the report was false and misrepresented the Inspector-General’s remarks during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

The Police said the Inspector-General only reminded officers that the possession of firearms is restricted to legally authorised security personnel and raised concerns over the increasing use of illegal weapons by criminals involved in kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and cult-related violence.

The statement added that Olatunji Rilwan Disu also reminded officers that the use of firearms is regulated by Force Order 237, which clearly outlines the circumstances under which police personnel may lawfully use firearms while performing their duties, without waiting for any order from above.

The Force maintained that the Inspector-General has not issue any shoot-on-sight directive and reiterated that officers are expected to operate within the Constitution, existing laws and established policing procedures while respecting the 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 misleading reports on security matters could create unnecessary panic and erode public confidence in security institutions.