Lagos CP warns officers against extortion, brutality, threatens sanctions

By Adebola Muili

The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has warned police officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, threatening disciplinary action against personnel found culpable of misconduct.

He also warned supervisory officers that they would be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their command, stressing the need for professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.

Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja, in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

According to a statement made available to journalists on Friday by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel from various divisions, units and sections of the command.

The CP emphasised the need for officers to handle complaints against police personnel appropriately, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.

He charged them to discharge their duties lawfully, respect citizens’ rights and maintain public confidence in the police, warning that operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit, intimidate or harass members of the public.

Fatai specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.

He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel maintained professionalism, exercised restraint and respected citizens’ rights during operations.

On the use of social media, the commissioner directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy, warning that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the Force would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.

Addressing the menace of cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to combat the crime while ensuring that arrests were carried out lawfully and in accordance with due process.

He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification, stressing the need to respect legal procedures in the fight against crime.

The CP also directed officers to safeguard the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, urging them to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure that they received humane treatment throughout their detention.

Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged personnel to remain neutral and professional, directing them to monitor electioneering campaigns closely and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.

He further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, improve their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats capable of affecting Lagos State.

The commissioner urged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, noting that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.