The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has banned police operatives from arbitrary arrests, harassment of youths, and the checking of mobile phones across the country.
The order banning police officers and men followed growing concerns being expressed by some Nigerians that have fallen victims of some police misconduct in many parts of the country.
Nigerian born Briton, Kemi Badenoch, who is the United Kingdom leader of the opposition conservative party, recently leveled allegations of abuses against the Nigeria police, saying that some officers stole her brother’s pair of shoes and wristwatch while wielding guns.
In a leaked wireless memo dated December 13, 2024, IGP Egbetokun ordered all Police State Commands to put an end to human rights violations and restore the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force.
The document, which was signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, specifically warned that offending officers and their supervisors would face severe punishment if the unlawful activities persisted.
The circular, which circulated on social media, noted the fallout from the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a stark reminder of the consequences of police misconduct, saying that the protests, driven by grievances over police brutality, led to widespread destruction, loss of lives, and a significant erosion of public trust in law enforcement.
The circular titled; “Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention,” warned that youth harassment, phone seizures, and unnecessary detentions at checkpoints must cease immediately”.
The IGP further warned that commissioners of police in charge of commands and supervisors would be held liable for any violations whatsoever.
The circular said that monitoring units have been set up to enforce strict compliance.
The police top hierarchy firm stance is aimed at avoiding a repeat of the events of 2020, as Nigerians remain watchful for possible positive changes in the behavioural pattern of officers nationwide.