Police Debunk Viral Reports, Explain What IGP Disu Actually Said About Illegal Guns

The Nigeria Police Force has stepped forward to clear the air following viral reports alleging that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu issued a blanket “shoot-on-sight” directive against anyone found carrying an illegal firearm.

In an official statement issued by Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, the police high command described the circulating stories as completely false, explaining that the IGP’s remarks during a regional security session were distorted and taken out of context.

The controversy emerged following a high-level stakeholders’ security meeting held in Makurdi, Benue State, where IGP Disu addressed traditional rulers, community leaders, and tactical commanders on strategies to stop the flow of unlicensed weapons. During the briefing, the police chief highlighted how illegal guns continue to drive kidnapping, armed robbery, and rural violence across the region.

However, the police high command clarified that sounding an alarm over illegal weapons is fundamentally different from giving a shoot-on-sight order. The statement reminded the public that police officers do not have the legal backing to execute suspects on the spot simply for holding an illegal weapon.

“The claim that the Inspector-General of Police ordered officers to shoot anyone with illegal firearms is false and does not reflect what was said,” stated Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu. “During the meeting in Benue State, the IGP reminded officers that the use of firearms is strictly guided by Force Order 237, which clearly sets out when an officer may lawfully deploy a firearm. At no time did he instruct officers to shoot individuals simply because they were found with an illegal firearm.”

The police spokesperson reaffirmed that while the force remains committed to mopping up illegal light weapons and arresting gunrunners, operations will continue to operate within constitutional limits and respect fundamental human rights.

Urging media outlets and online commentators to verify security updates before publishing, the police leadership called for public calm, assuring citizens that ongoing disarming operations across Benue State and nationwide will be conducted professionally under the rule of law.