Nigeria Police deny IGP ordered shoot-on-sight of guns

The Nigeria Police Force has categorically denied that Inspector-General Olatunji Disu ordered officers to shoot on sight individuals found with illegal firearms, labeling widespread reports of such an order as false and a misrepresentation of his remarks. The clarification was issued on Saturday, July 25, 2026, following a viral social media narrative that originated from a stakeholders meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State.

According to a statement from Force Public Relations Officer Aniete Iniedu, the Inspector-General’s comments were taken out of context. During the meeting, IGP Disu did not issue any shoot-on-sight directive. Instead, he addressed the proliferation of illegal weapons and reiterated the legal framework governing police use of firearms. The police emphasized that officers are guided by Force Order 237, which outlines the specific circumstances under which an officer may lawfully use a firearm while performing official duties.

The Inspector-General’s actual remarks, part of which were shared in an attached video by the police, focused on the exclusive legal authority of security personnel to carry arms. In the video, Disu stated that police officers have been...