The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has warned police officers against brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that misconduct will attract disciplinary action.
Tijani gave the warning on Thursday 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, Mr Olatunji Disu.
This is contained in a statement signed by the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, on Friday in Lagos.
The lecture was attended by Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel from various units of the command.
Tijani reiterated the need for professionalism, discipline, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights, warning that officers must not engage in acts capable of eroding public confidence in the police.
“Supervisory officers will be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their command, ” he said.
The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility and other unethical practices, directing them to discharge their duties with restraint and respect for citizens’ rights.
He further 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 responsible supervisors.
On the fight against cultism, Tijani urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that arrests were lawful and conducted in line with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification, while directing officers to safeguard the lives and welfare of suspects in custody and ensure their humane treatment.
Ahead of the 2027 General Elections, the commissioner urged officers to remain neutral and professional, directing them to monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
He also urged personnel to keep abreast of local and international developments and emerging security threats, while continually improving their professional capacity and vigilance.
Tijani charged officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, noting that public trust could only be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
