LAGOS JULY 26TH (NEWSRANGERS)-According to a report by Vanguard on Saturday, July 25, 2026, the Nigeria Police Force has rejected claims that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered officers to shoot individuals found carrying illegal firearms, describing the reports as false and a misrepresentation of his comments.
The clarification followed reports circulating on social media concerning remarks allegedly made by the Inspector-General during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
In a statement released on Saturday, Force Public Relations Officer CSP Ani Iniedu said the widely circulated account distorted the IGP’s remarks and created an inaccurate impression about the operational instructions given to police officers.
According to the police, Disu did not issue a shoot-on-sight directive. Rather, he reminded officers and stakeholders that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms.
The Inspector-General also reportedly expressed concern about the growing circulation of illegal weapons across the country, particularly firearms linked to kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry, cult-related violence and other serious crimes.
The Force further explained that Disu stressed the importance of officers complying with Force Order 237, which provides guidelines governing the lawful use of firearms by police personnel while performing their official responsibilities.
Police authorities maintained that the IGP’s remarks centred on enforcing existing laws and established procedures, rather than encouraging officers to use deadly force indiscriminately against people suspected of possessing illegal firearms.
The statement reiterated that police personnel are required to perform their duties professionally and in accordance with the Constitution, relevant laws and the fundamental rights of citizens. The Force also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property through lawful, responsible and accountable policing.
Authorities urged journalists, media organisations and members of the public to verify security-related information before publishing or sharing it. They warned that inaccurate reports could cause unnecessary fear, fuel misinformation and weaken public confidence in security agencies.
To clarify the controversy further, the Nigeria Police Force encouraged Nigerians to watch the complete recording of the Inspector-General’s address, maintaining that the footage provides the proper context of his remarks and demonstrates that no shoot-on-sight order was issued.
Source: Vanguard
For media advert placement, events coverage, media consultancy, placement of publications and further inquiries please WhatsApp 2348023773039 or email: labakevwe@yahoo.com
