Senator Adams Oshiomhole has sharply criticized the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for what he perceives as an apologetic stance on the use of lethal force against criminals. The Edo North lawmaker, speaking during an interview on TVC News, insisted that security operatives should shoot armed criminals without hesitation.
Shoot-on-Sight Call
“That’s why when this IG was saying he didn’t say ‘shoot at sight,’ Why is he apologetic? Shoot at sight. If you see a criminal, shoot on sight,” Oshiomhole stated. His comments come after the Nigeria Police Force clarified that the IGP did not issue a “shoot-on-sight” order but rather referred to Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational conditions for police use of firearms. Disu had explained that officers were briefed on the order and understood the established Rules of Engagement.
DSS Appeal Commended
Oshiomhole also praised the Department of State Services (DSS) for appealing a court judgment that handed life imprisonment instead of death sentences to convicted offenders. “I have said that judges should implement the law, not their personal sentiment. I’m also happy that the DSS is doing its job. They have appealed the judgment where people who should have been condemned to death were given life imprisonment,” he said.
Insecurity as Political Risk
When asked about President Bola Tinubu’s biggest political risk ahead of the next election, Oshiomhole identified insecurity as the main obstacle. He urged the President to give the service chiefs a firm deadline to end the threat. “I would tell him to do everything he can to direct the armed forces to ensure that the service chiefs understand that they have a duty to terminate insecurity within the next few months,” Oshiomhole said.
Demand for Accountability
Insisting on accountability, Oshiomhole added: “There has to be a benchmark to measure what we give them and the results that we get, and whether it’s commensurate. It is better he beats down their necks than anything else.” The senator’s remarks underscore growing frustration with the persistent security challenges facing Nigeria, as he calls for decisive action and measurable outcomes from the nation’s security chiefs.
