By Adeyemi Adekunle
In a decisive move to curb human rights violations and rebuild public trust, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the unlawful arrest, detention, and phone searches of road users by police officers at checkpoints across Nigeria. The directive, issued through an internal communication on December 13, 2024, was sent to all state police commands, emphasizing strict adherence to professional conduct.
The directive, titled Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention, criticized the unethical practices, noting their damaging impact on the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Signed by the Department of Operations at Force Headquarters, the IGP’s message warned that any officer found violating the order would face disciplinary measures, extending to their supervisors and Commissioners of Police in the affected states.
“Arbitrary arrest, detention, and phone checks at checkpoints must cease immediately,” the message reads. “These actions reflect poorly on the Nigeria Police Force and have fueled public distrust, as witnessed during the End-SARS protests. Any violation will attract sanctions, and the matter will be treated with utmost seriousness.”
The IGP acknowledged that such misconduct by police officers has long been a source of public frustration, eroding citizens’ confidence in law enforcement. Arbitrary searches and unwarranted detentions have not only tarnished the force’s reputation but have also led to escalating tensions between the police and the public, as demonstrated during the 2020 End-SARS protests, which resulted in nationwide unrest.
To ensure compliance, Egbetokun ordered the deployment of monitoring units tasked with enforcing the new directive. These units will oversee operations at checkpoints and hold officers accountable for any breaches. The IGP also emphasized the need for state police commands to demonstrate leadership by ensuring their subordinates operate within the boundaries of the law.
The directive has been met with cautious optimism by Nigerians, who have long decried harassment and extortion at checkpoints. Human rights advocates have hailed the move as a necessary step toward reforming the police force and restoring citizens’ confidence in law enforcement.
