The Nigeria Police Force has denied reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, issued a “shoot-on-sight” order against persons carrying illegal firearms during a stakeholders’ meeting in Benue State.

The Force said media reports misrepresented the Inspector-General’s remarks, explaining that he was referring to the provisions of Force Order 237, which regulates the legal use of firearms by police officers.

In a statement titled “Clarification: What the Inspector-General of Police Actually Said in Makurdi,” the Police said the IGP did not authorise indiscriminate use of force.

“At a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, Inspector-General of Police did not issue any ‘shoot-on-sight’ order as widely misreported,” the statement read.

“What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for firearm use, and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement.”

The Force added that the Inspector-General emphasised that illegal possession of firearms and killings would not be tolerated and urged the public to watch the full video of his remarks for proper context.

In the video, the IGP said only authorised security personnel are permitted to carry firearms.

“We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognised 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. We have given them necessary instructions.

“We have 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 also said security personnel had been trained to act within the law, stressing that the Force was determined to reduce attacks on its officers.

“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, they have been trained to do what is necessary,” he said.

Force Order 237 outlines the circumstances under which police officers may lawfully use firearms, including self-defence, preventing the escape of dangerous suspects and responding to immediate armed threats.