The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports claiming that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued a “shoot on sight” directive against individuals carrying illegal firearms in Benue State, insisting that his remarks were misinterpreted.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Force clarified that the Inspector General’s comments during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi were a reference to Force Order 237, the regulation that outlines the legal and operational framework for the use of firearms by police officers.
The clarification, titled “Clarification: What the Inspector General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” was accompanied by a video of the IGP’s address, which the police said provides the full context of his remarks.
According to the statement, the police chief did not authorise officers to shoot anyone found carrying illegal arms, contrary to reports published by some media organisations.
The Force explained that the IGP merely reminded officers that they had been adequately trained on the provisions of Force Order 237 and understood the circumstances under which firearms could be lawfully deployed in line with the established rules of engagement.
The statement further noted that the Inspector General reaffirmed the police’s resolve to tackle the proliferation of illegal firearms and violent crimes, warning that unlawful possession of weapons and killings would not be tolerated.
During the meeting, the IGP stressed that only authorised security personnel are legally permitted to carry firearms and warned against individuals moving about with weapons in defiance of the law.
He also stated that officers had received the necessary training and operational guidance to respond appropriately to threats without waiting for further directives from superior officers where the law permits such action.
Expressing concern over the loss of security personnel in the line of duty, the police chief said the Force was determined to protect its officers and ensure they acted within the provisions of the law while confronting armed threats.
Force Order 237 contains the Nigeria Police Force’s guidelines on the use of force and firearms, including the circumstances under which officers may lawfully discharge their weapons, such as in self-defence, to prevent serious threats to life or during the pursuit of suspects accused of grave offences.