The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, directed officers to shoot on sight anyone found carrying illegal firearms in Benue State.
The Force clarified that no such ‘shoot-on-sight’ order was issued by the IGP. The clarification follows circulating reports about statements made during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday at the Government House in Makurdi.
According to earlier accounts of the meeting, the IGP had referenced President Bola Tinubu’s directive that the persistent insecurity in Benue must come to an end. He was reported to have stated that only authorised security personnel are legally allowed to carry firearms and that anyone moving around with illegal weapons would face immediate action. Officers were also said to have been empowered under Force Order 237 to respond to armed threats without waiting for approval from superior officers.
“We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other security personnel dying. They have been instructed to do what is necessary,” the IGP was quoted as saying. He also urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible information, stressing that public cooperation remains essential in the fight against insecurity.
Benue State has experienced repeated attacks in recent months, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of residents and destruction of property. The Federal Government has stated that it is intensifying security operations to restore peace in the state.
