Rescind shoot-at-sight order, SERAP tells Buhari

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project yesterday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rescind its “shoot-at-sight” order.

A presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, had, in an interview with the BBC, quoted Buhari to have directed the security agencies to shoot anyone see with AK-47 rifle.

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But SERAP in a statement said: “Nigerian authorities @NigeriaGov should rescind its “shoot at sight” orders to respond to the insecurity in the country.

The most effective way to address the killings, abductions and violence is to ensure full compliance with the Nigerian Constitution and human rights law.

“If the authorities are truly committed to ending the killings and abductions, they should take meaningful measures to protect Nigerians; immediately identify, arrest, probe and prosecute suspected perpetrators; and provide victims access to justice and effective remedies.

“The “shoot-at-sight policy is a threat to human rights-based law-enforcement approaches, may be abused and (may) exacerbate the impunity by law enforcement officials. Non-violent means should as far as possible be applied before resorting to the use of force and firearms.”