The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered officers to shoot anyone found carrying illegal firearms, describing the reports as a misrepresentation of his remarks.
The clarification followed widespread media reports suggesting that the IGP issued a "shoot-on-sight" directive during a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Force explained that the IGP was referring to Force Order 237, the regulation that guides when police officers are legally permitted to use firearms while carrying out their duties.
According to the police, the Inspector-General did not authorize indiscriminate use of force but reminded officers of the existing rules governing firearm deployment.
The statement read in part, "The Inspector-General did not issue any 'shoot-on-sight' order. He simply reminded officers that they have been trained on Force Order 237, which clearly outlines the legal and operational conditions for the use of firearms."
The Force also released a video of the IGP's remarks to provide the full context.
Speaking at the meeting, the IGP stressed that only authorized security personnel are permitted to carry firearms and warned that illegal possession of weapons would no longer be tolerated.
"We are the only ones recognized to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that," he said.
"You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country. It will not be tolerated."
He added that officers had already been trained on the provisions of Force Order 237 and understood the circumstances under which they could lawfully use their weapons.
Read Also:
Two Years After Supreme Court Ruling, LG Financial Autonomy Yet to Take Off Despite ₦10.48tn Allocations
The IGP also expressed concern over the continued loss of security personnel in the line of duty.
"We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers and other members of security agencies dying anyhow. They have been instructed and trained to do what is necessary," he said.
Force Order 237 sets out the conditions under which police officers may use force or firearms, including situations involving self-defence, preventing the escape of dangerous suspects, or responding to immediate armed threats. The police maintained that the order remains the guiding framework for the lawful use of firearms by officers across the country.
