The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers and men of the command against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests, intimidation and other forms of misconduct. Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for police personnel at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja. The lecture,…...
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers and men of the command against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests, intimidation and other forms of misconduct.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for police personnel at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.
The lecture, held in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was attended by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other officers across the command.
According to a statement by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, on Friday, October 23, the commissioner reiterated the need for professionalism, discipline, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Fatai also warned that officers found culpable of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention would face disciplinary action, adding that superior officers would be held responsible for the conduct of their subordinates.
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The statement reads in part: “The CP specifically warned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.
“He directed tactical commanders to ensure professionalism, restraint and respect for citizens’ rights, stressing that operational responsibilities must not be used to exploit or harass the public.”
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The commissioner also directed officers to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy, warning that inappropriate online conduct capable of damaging the image of the force would attract sanctions for erring personnel and their supervisors.
On the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that arrests were conducted lawfully and in line with due process.
He specifically prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.
The police commissioner further emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in custody, directing officers to ensure proper supervision and humane treatment of detainees throughout their detention.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged police personnel to remain neutral and professional, while ensuring that electioneering campaigns were monitored and adequate security provided to maintain peace and public order.
He also urged officers to stay abreast of local and international developments and emerging security threats, while improving their professional capacity to address security challenges in Lagos State.
The commissioner called on all personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public confidence in the police depended on responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for citizens’ rights.