By
Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Police Force has dismissed reports that it operates a “shoot-at-sight” policy, clarifying that Force Order 237 is instead a strict guideline governing firearm use by officers.
Speaking on the directive, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the order is designed to regulate how and when police officers may use firearms while carrying out their constitutional responsibilities.
According to him, Force Order 237 does not give officers blanket authority to use lethal force. Rather, it sets clear conditions centered on protecting human life, professionalism, accountability, and compliance with both Nigerian laws and international human rights standards.
CSP Iniedu explained that officers are required to explore all lawful and reasonable options before resorting to firearms. The use of lethal force is only allowed in extreme cases where it is unavoidable to save a life or prevent serious injury.
He added that the order is in line with the 1999 Constitution, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Nigeria Police Act 2020, and the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
The Force PRO stressed that every police operation must be guided by the principles of necessity, proportionality, legality and accountability. Any officer who discharges a firearm outside these provisions faces disciplinary action and possible prosecution.
“There is no ‘shoot-at-sight’ policy in the Nigeria Police Force. Any use of force must be justified by law and must follow Force Order 237. The protection of life remains our priority in all operations,” CSP Iniedu stated.
He urged the public to ignore narratives suggesting indiscriminate use of firearms, noting that the Police remain committed to rights-based policing, respect for the rule of law, and rebuilding public trust through professionalism.
The clarification comes as discussions around police procedures resurface. The Force said officers undergo continuous training and retraining on lawful use of force in line with global best practices.
The NPF also called on citizens to cooperate with officers and assured that complaints of force misuse will be investigated transparently and handled according to disciplinary and legal procedures.
