Shoot-on-sight-order? Police clarify what IGP Disu said in Makurdi

By Ayoride Oluokun

The Nigeria Police Force has described claim that its Inspector-General, IGP Olatunji Disu issued a shoot-on-sight order to operatives during a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State as untrue.

The Police said this in a short statement on its social media platforms on Saturday while clarifying reports about Disu’s order to police officers in Makurdi.

Contrary to media reports, police said Disu did not issue shoot-on-sight order to officers at the stakeholders’ meeting.

The statement clarified that what Disu said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use.

The IGP also reportedly told his officers that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.

Disu also warned at the stakeholders’ meeting that police will not allow illegal arms possession and killings.

The short statement reads “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 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 public is encouraged to view the attached video of the Inspector-General’s actual remarks for the full context.