Lagos: The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Olatunji Disu, has directed officers captured in a viral stop-and-search video in Lagos to report to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary proceedings. This directive comes in response to public outcry over the officers’ actions as depicted in the video.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Force Media Officer, CSP Aliyu Giwa, revealed this development in a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, @aleeygiwa, on Sunday. The officers involved in the incident, which took place in the Satellite Town area of Lagos, have been instructed to appear on Wednesday to face disciplinary action.
The viral video, which has sparked widespread public outrage, shows police officers allegedly harassing civilians during a roadside stop-and-search operation. In the footage, the officers are seen stopping a vehicle, ordering its occupants to exit, and proceeding to conduct a search on one of them away from the vehicle.
The video was initially shared on social media on Saturday by an X user identified as @ChuksEricE. In response to the public’s concerns, Giwa emphasized the importance of accountability within the Nigeria Police Force. He urged officers to maintain professionalism, exercise restraint, and respect citizens’ rights while performing their duties.
Giwa further stated, ‘The Nigeria Police Force values concerns of the public, which continue to reinforce our commitment to accountability and professional standards.’ He reaffirmed the Force’s dedication to discipline, justice, and the preservation of institutional integrity, assuring Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken following the outcome of the disciplinary process.