Shoot-on-Sight Narrative: What IGP Disu Actually Said

By: Awajis Josiah-Chijindu 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has come under public scrutiny following reports that he issued a "shoot-on-sight" directive during a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State. 

However, a review of his complete remarks shows that the widely circulated interpretation does not accurately reflect what he said.

Rather than ordering police officers to shoot indiscriminately, the Inspector-General stated that officers had already been briefed on Force Order 237—the Nigeria Police Force's operational guideline regulating the lawful use of firearms. 

His emphasis was that officers understand the circumstances under which firearms may be deployed in line with established Rules of Engagement and existing laws.

The distinction is significant.

Force Order 237 does not grant police officers unrestricted authority to use lethal force. Instead, it outlines the legal conditions under which officers may discharge their firearms, particularly when protecting lives, preventing serious crimes, or acting in lawful self-defence. 

The order also places a premium on accountability and proportionality in the use of force.

Speaking during the meeting, IGP Disu expressed concern over the persistent cycle of violence in Benue State, where attacks and reprisals have continued to claim lives.

He lamented that those who orchestrate violence often remain beyond the reach of law enforcement, while ordinary citizens and security personnel bear the consequences.

"We are tired of this issue of attack and retaliation," he said. "When you attack, you expect retaliation. We are tired of it."

The Inspector-General explained that he was in Benue to convey President Bola Tinubu's message that the continued violence would no longer be tolerated. 

He reaffirmed that only lawfully authorised security agencies are permitted to bear arms and warned that illegal possession of firearms would be met with decisive action.

"We are the only ones recognised to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that. You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order in this country," he stated.

Addressing the controversial aspect of his remarks, the IGP said officers had been given the necessary operational instructions and reminded of the provisions of Force Order 237.

"We have a Force Order 237. Police officers have been told they don't need to wait for any superior order. They know where to deploy their firearms," he said.

Contrary to some media reports, the statement was not a declaration of a "shoot-on-sight" policy. Rather, it underscored that trained officers are empowered to act within the confines of Force Order 237 whenever circumstances legally justify the use of firearms, without necessarily waiting for additional directives from superior officers.

The Inspector-General also paid tribute to members of the security agencies who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

"We are tired of losing our men. We are tired of police officers, soldiers, and other members of the security agencies dying needlessly. They have been instructed. They have been trained to do what is necessary," he said.

While reaffirming the readiness of security agencies to confront criminal elements, IGP Disu maintained that sustainable peace could only be achieved through collaboration with traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.

He expressed optimism that lasting solutions to the security challenges confronting Benue State could be achieved through dialogue and collective action.

"I do not want to leave this state today without bringing a solution to the problem we have at hand," he said, adding that he would continue to visit the state until peace is restored.

The Force Spokesperson,CSP Aniete Okokon Iniedu in a statement on Saturday July 25,2026 subsequently encouraged members of the public to watch the full video of IGP Disu's address to appreciate the context of his remarks, stressing that his comments centred on enforcing existing laws and operational procedures—not introducing a new "shoot-on-sight" directive.

His clarification highlights the importance of reporting security-related statements in their proper context, especially on issues as sensitive as the use of force by law enforcement agencies.