(VIDEO) Shoot-on-sight controversy: Full transcript of what IG said in Benue

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The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, spoke about the use of firearms by police officers during a stakeholders’ meeting in Makurdi, Benue State, in remarks that were subsequently reported by several media outlets as a shoot-on-sight order against illegal arms bearers.

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The Nigeria Police Force later clarified the shoot-on-sight order, saying the IGP had cited Force Order 237, which governs the legal and operational conditions for the use of firearms by police officers.

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PUNCH Online presents the full transcript of what the police chief said during the meeting, based on the video the NPF shared on X on Saturday.

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Here is the shared video transcript:

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Disu said, “..the crisis, what that means is to fight a war that is older, richer, safer, that is designed by people who are older than us. And most of the time when this crisis happens, they walk away with it. They walk away without being scratched.

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“Everyone of you who have picked up a weapon, you have become a target. We are tired of this issue of attack and retaliation. When we attack, we expect retaliation.

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“We are tired of it. And that is why I have come here today to meet with you, to discuss with you, to bring message from you, from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that this will no longer be tolerated. This will not be tolerated.

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“We have given instructions to our men. We are the only ones recognized to carry arms around. No other person is entitled to do that.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“But we know we will not succeed without the cooperation of all of you seated here. I am aware all the stakeholders who are capable of bringing peace to this state are sitting here.

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“And by the grace of God, I do not want to leave this state today without bringing solution to the problem we have at hand.

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“I would like to stop and get contributions. Tonight you are here today. And for your information, I will be a constant visitor to this state until we have the peace that we desire.”

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