Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, has warned police officers against brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and other acts of misconduct, declaring that personnel who violate citizens’ rights will face disciplinary action.
Fatai also cautioned tactical teams against using their operational responsibilities to intimidate, harass or exploit members of the public, insisting that professionalism, discipline and respect for the rule of law must guide police operations across Lagos State.
The commissioner 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 directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The lecture brought together Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders, Heads of Departments and officers from various divisions, units and sections of the command.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the lecture was aimed at reinforcing discipline, accountability, professionalism and strict adherence to established policing standards.
Addressing the officers, Fatai reiterated the IGP’s directives on complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He charged officers to discharge their duties lawfully, respect human rights and uphold the rule of law, warning that any personnel found engaging in misconduct would be sanctioned.
The CP also emphasised that supervisory officers would be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their command, stressing that accountability must extend beyond individual officers to those responsible for monitoring their activities.
He specifically directed tactical commanders to ensure that their teams operated with professionalism, restraint and respect for citizens’ rights, warning against extortion, intimidation, incivility and other dishonest practices.
Fatai further cautioned officers against inappropriate use of social media, directing them to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy.
He warned that online conduct capable of undermining the image and integrity of the Force would attract sanctions against erring personnel and their responsible supervisors.
On the fight against cultism, the commissioner urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that arrests were conducted in accordance with the law.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification, insisting that police operations must respect due process.
The CP also directed officers to safeguard the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, stressing the need for close supervision of detainees and humane treatment throughout their detention.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged personnel to remain neutral, professional and impartial, directing them to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
He also urged officers to remain abreast of local and international developments, emerging security challenges and threats capable of affecting the security situation in Lagos State.
The commissioner called on all personnel to uphold the highest standards of integrity, reminding them that public confidence in the police could only be sustained through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
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