The Nigeria Police Force has debunked reports that Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu ordered police officers to shoot on sight anyone carrying illegal firearms.*

Several outlets on Friday reported Disu gave the order at a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, Benue State.

In a clarification titled "What the Inspector-General Actually Said in Makurdi" on Saturday, the Force said Disu was referring to Force Order 237 which governs legal and operational conditions for use of firearms.

"At a stakeholders' meeting in Makurdi, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu did not issue any 'shoot-on-sight' order as widely misreported," Force said.

"What he actually said was that officers have been briefed on Force Order 237... and that they know when it is appropriate to deploy their weapons in line with established Rules of Engagement."

In the video attached, Disu said: "We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognized to carry arms around... You cannot move around freely carrying arms as if there is no law and order... We have Force Order 237. Police officers have been told they don't need to wait for any superior order."

He added: "We are tired of losing our men... They have been instructed, they have been trained to do what is necessary."

Police noted Force Order 237 covers circumstances officers may legally deploy firearms such as self-defence, escape of felony suspects or immediate armed threats.