Oshiomhole backs ‘shoot-on-sight’ against armed criminals

Oshiomhole has defended the use of lethal force against armed criminals, saying security operatives should not hesitate to shoot suspects who pose a threat.

The Edo North lawmaker made the remarks during an interview with TVC News on Monday, criticising Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu for what he described as an apologetic response to recent comments on the use of force.

“Why is he apologetic? Shoot on sight. If you see a criminal, shoot on sight,” Oshiomhole said.

His comments come after the Nigeria Police Force clarified that the Inspector-General did not issue a blanket “shoot-on-sight” directive.

According to the police, Disu was referring to Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational conditions under which officers may use firearms in line with the established Rules of Engagement.

Oshiomhole also praised the Department of State Services for appealing a court judgment that sentenced certain convicted offenders to life imprisonment instead of the death penalty.

“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.

Addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, the former Edo State governor described insecurity as the biggest threat to President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election in 2027.

He urged the President to set a clear deadline for the military and other security agencies to tackle the country’s security crisis, insisting that their performance should be measured against specific targets.

“There has to be a benchmark to measure what we give them and the results that we get. It is better he beats down their necks than anything else,” he said.

Oshiomhole argued that the administration had already introduced key economic reforms, saying insecurity remained the major obstacle to national progress.

According to him, the recruitment of 20,000 additional military personnel and the creation of new Army divisions demonstrate the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

He also dismissed claims that President Tinubu has not been visible enough in office, saying the President has continued to preside over meetings, address public forums and comment on national issues.

The senator maintained that criticism from opposition parties was a normal feature of democracy but said the ruling party also had the right to respond.

“There is nothing the president is going to say that the opposition will not fault. That is the legitimate business of the opposition,” he said.

Reflecting on the 2023 presidential election, Oshiomhole linked Peter Obi’s emergence as a major political force to widespread public dissatisfaction during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Last time they voted in anger. That situation is what produced Obi,” he said.