Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate stop to unnecessary arrests and detentions of youths across Nigeria.
This directive also includes halting the practice of collecting and checking phones at checkpoints.
Any police personnel found engaging in these activities will face severe consequences, including disciplinary action against commanders and supervisors.
The order, contained in a police wireless message dated December 13, 2024, emphasises that such impunity and unlawful attitudes have tarnished the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
The message references the END-SARS Protest, which was sparked by similar issues and resulted in destruction and loss of life.
This directive aims to address the long-standing concerns about police brutality and harassment in Nigeria. By holding personnel accountable for their actions, the police force hopes to regain public trust and prevent future incidents.
With reference DTO: 111996/ and Ref:
CB:0900/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.TIO/157, is titled: Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention.
It reads: “Arbitrary arrest, detention, NIGPOL DCPS Abuja directs, henceforth, there should be no unnecessary arrest and detention of youths, collecting of phones, checking of phones at checking points. These should stop. This attitude is portraying the Nigeria Police Force in bad image.
“All these culminated to end-SARS protests destruction of properties, killing in the past. NIGPOL DCPS directs you desist from such unlawful acts.
“Anyone caught will be disciplined along with commands COMPOLS/supervisors as INGENPOL will deploy monitoring units for enforcement of this directives. Treat as very important.”
