ABUJA – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has denied reports alleging that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, issued a “shoot-on-sight” directive to police officers during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of his remarks.

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In a statement issued on Friday, the Force clarified that the IGP did not authorise officers to shoot suspects on sight but was explaining the provisions of Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational conditions governing the use of firearms by police personnel. According to the Police, Disu reminded stakeholders that officers had been properly briefed on the rules and understood the circumstances under which firearms could be used in line with established Rules of Engagement.

The Force stressed that the Inspector-General’s comments were intended to reinforce professionalism and compliance with existing operational guidelines, not to encourage indiscriminate use of force. It added that Disu reiterated the Police’s commitment to tackling the illegal possession of firearms, violent crimes and other criminal activities strictly within the confines of the law.

Urging the public and the media to disregard reports suggesting a “shoot-on-sight” order, the Police described such claims as inaccurate and taken out of context. The Force encouraged Nigerians to watch the full video of the IGP’s remarks to gain a proper understanding of his comments, while reaffirming its commitment to lawful policing and adherence to approved Rules of Engagement.