Posted by Chinenye on Tue 28th Jul, 2026 - tori.ng
A former governor has sparked a fresh security debate after making strong comments on how criminals should be handled.
(Adams Oshiomhole. Photo by Punch News)
Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for what he described as an overly apologetic stance on the shooting of criminals, insisting that security operatives should not hesitate to shoot armed criminals on sight.
The Edo North lawmaker made the remarks during a television interview on Monday, questioning why the IG appeared defensive over comments regarding a shoot-at-sight approach when, in his view, armed criminals encountered by security operatives should simply be shot on sight.
It was earlier reported that the Nigeria Police Force had clarified that the IG did not issue a "shoot-on-sight" directive, explaining that his comments referenced Force Order 237, which outlines the legal and operational conditions guiding the use of firearms by police officers.
The force said Disu had briefed stakeholders on the provisions of the order and confirmed that officers understood the circumstances under which firearms could be deployed in accordance with established Rules of Engagement.
Oshiomhole also commended the Department of State Services (DSS) for appealing a court judgment that handed down life imprisonment rather than death sentences to convicted offenders, arguing that judges should apply the law rather than personal sentiment and expressing satisfaction that the DSS had challenged the ruling.
Asked what he considered the President's biggest political risk ahead of next year's election, Oshiomhole identified insecurity as the sole obstacle standing between President Bola Tinubu and re-election.
He urged the President to set a firm deadline for the service chiefs to bring insecurity under control, stressing that there should be a clear benchmark to measure the resources given to the military against the results achieved, and that the President should hold the service chiefs strictly accountable rather than take a softer approach.
The former Edo State governor maintained that Tinubu had already put the necessary macroeconomic measures in place, leaving insecurity as the only limiting factor, and acknowledged that while the security situation could not be resolved overnight given how entrenched it has become, Nigerians expect to see consistent and deliberate effort.
He pointed to the ongoing recruitment of 20,000 additional personnel into the armed forces, along with the creation of new army divisions, as evidence of the President's resolve to reform the country's security architecture, noting that the DSS was active, the Air Force was becoming more engaged, and new army divisions reflected a shift from old approaches.
On claims that Tinubu has not been sufficiently visible in office, Oshiomhole dismissed the perception, saying he had seen the President address various forums, preside over meetings, and comment extensively on issues affecting Nigeria's political economy and society.
He added that while the opposition was entitled to criticise the administration, the ruling party would respond in kind, describing such contestation as a normal part of democratic politics rather than something he resents, provided the opposition understands that criticism can be met with a similar response.
He argued that democracy thrives on debate and contestation, and expressed confidence that Nigerian voters, despite attempts by political actors to confuse them, would vote rationally in the next election.
He also linked the political emergence of Peter Obi to public anger during the last election cycle, which he attributed to the tenure of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, clarifying that he was not blaming the former leader but noting that the prevailing anger at the time was what gave rise to Obi's political rise.