Oshiomhole Backs Shooting Armed Criminals on Sight

Senator representing Edo North, Adams Oshiomhole, has backed the use of lethal force against armed criminals, saying security operatives should shoot dangerous offenders on sight without hesitation.

The former Edo State governor made the remarks on Monday during an interview on TVC News while commenting on recent clarifications by the Nigeria Police Force regarding the use of firearms by officers.

Oshiomhole criticised Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for what he described as an apologetic stance over the issue, insisting that armed criminals should be confronted decisively.

“That’s why when this IG was saying he didn’t say ‘shoot on sight.’ Why is he apologetic? Shoot on sight. If you see a criminal, shoot on sight,” he said.

The senator’s comments followed the police clarification that the Inspector-General did not issue a “shoot-on-sight” directive but was referring to the provisions of Force Order 237, which regulates the legal conditions under which officers may use firearms in line with 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 death.

According to him, judges should apply the law without allowing personal sentiments to influence their decisions.

Turning to national security, Oshiomhole described insecurity as the greatest political challenge facing President Bola Tinubu ahead of the next general election.

He urged the President to set measurable targets for the service chiefs and hold them accountable for improving security across the country.

“There has to be a benchmark to measure what we give them and the results that we get,” he said.

The senator argued that the Federal Government had already implemented key economic reforms and that insecurity remained the major obstacle to national progress.

He pointed to the ongoing recruitment of 20,000 additional military personnel and the creation of new army divisions as evidence of the administration’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

Oshiomhole also dismissed claims that Tinubu had not been sufficiently visible in office, saying the President had consistently addressed national issues, presided over meetings and engaged with stakeholders.

He added that opposition criticism was a normal feature of democracy, expressing confidence that Nigerians would make informed choices during the next election.