The Police Force Headquarters in Abuja has described as fake news and a deliberate misrepresentation of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, reports that he directed police personnel to “shoot anyone with illegal firearms”.
Force Public Relations Officer, Anietie Iniedu, who disclosed this, said the IGP did not issue such a directive during a meeting with stakeholders in Makurdi, Benue State.
“In a statement, Iniedu said the IGP’s comments at the meeting had been misrepresented to the public.
The FPRO said that while the IGP only reminded officers that only duly authorised security personnel are allowed by law to bear firearms, he also drew attention to the growing proliferation of illegal weapons used by criminals to perpetrate kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related violence and other serious crimes.
He quoted the Inspector-General as saying that the use of firearms by police officers was strictly governed by Force Order 237, which stipulates the lawful circumstances under which the officers could use firearms in the execution of their duties.
The statement added that the IGP emphasised the need for officers to operate strictly within the confines of the law and the adherence to the approved rules governing the use of force.
“The Inspector-General did not give any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order. “At no time did he order officers to shoot someone just because they were found to be in possession of an illegal firearm,” the statement said.
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The Force reiterated its commitment to protecting the lives, rights and freedoms of all Nigerians, adding that police personnel are expected to discharge their responsibilities professionally, lawfully and with full respect for human rights and the Constitution.
It also urged media organisations and the public to verify security-related information before publishing or circulating it, warning that inaccurate reports could create unnecessary panic, misinform the public, and erode public confidence in security institutions.
The release also asked the public to view the full video of the Inspector-General’s address, noting that it accurately captures his statements and puts them in their correct context.
The Force reiterated its commitment to enforce the law in a fair, professional manner and within the confines of the Constitution and other extant laws.
