- Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun ordered an end to arbitrary arrests of youths, emphasising the damage to the police’s image
- The directive aimed to curb abuses and rebuild public trust in the police force, but many reacted, expressing scepticism if it would lead to real change
- TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions below
The Nigerian Police Force came under public scrutiny after Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun issued an order mandating an immediate stop to the arrest and detention of youths without cause including checking of phones.
The message stressed that ongoing arbitrary arrests were damaging the force’s reputation and undermining public trust.
Police issue new directive to stop arbitrary youth arrests
The directive, issued through a police wireless message dated December 13, 2024, warned that any officers involved in such unlawful actions, including the Commissioner of Police and their supervisors, would face disciplinary measures.
“Arbitrary Arrest X Detention X NIGPOL DCPS ABUJA DIRECTS X HENCEFORTH X THERE SHOULD BE NO UNNECESSARY ARREST AND DETENTION OF YOUTHS X COLLECTING OF PHONES X CHECKING OF PHONES X AT CHECKING POINTS X THESE SHOULD STOP X THIS ATTITUDE IS Portraying THE Nigeria POLICE FORCE IN BAD IMAGE X ALL THESE CULMINATED TO END-SARS PROTEST X DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTIES X KILLING IN THE PAST X NIGPOL DOPS DIRECTS YOU DESIST FROM SUCH UNLAWFUL ACTS X ANYONE CAUGHT WILL BE DISCIPLINE ALONG WITH COMMANDS COMPOLS/SUPERVISORS AS INGENPOL WILL DEPLOY MONITORING UNITS FOR Enforcement OF THIS DIRECTIVES X TREAT AS VERY IMPORTANT,” the directive read.
The move came as part of the police’s effort to curb abuses within the force. However, many Nigerians expressed scepticism, questioning whether the directive would lead to real change.
Some citizens pointed out that similar bans on unlawful arrests had been issued earlier, only to be ignored. While others expressed frustration over the repeated warnings, insinuating that police officers do not respect the authority of their Inspector-General.
Nigerians react to new police directive
TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions below:
“Same thing over and over again. They have been banning them from doing all these for a very long time but we all know what happens in the street. Someone needs to be scapegoated for others to learn. But I'm certain that won't happen,” Ajueyitsi T.Gabriel stated.
“Lol Is it today they've been banning things that only worsen? Please. Let's hear word. Maybe they should just ban themselves altogether because they're proven to cause more harm than good in society,” Afrika_confidential reacted.
“Correct me but this is like the 3rd time they are banning this thing this year. Looks like the police do not respect their inspector general,” Irunnia added.
“Is it that the “Policemen” being told this are different from the NPF or it is the usual media propaganda just to keep the narrative going? For how long and how many times have we heard this and the act deepens all the more? Is it until the citizens turn to violence then someone starts to hear and act accordingly? Nigeria,” Ifeanyi reacted.
“It is encouraging to read that the IGP forbids the arbitrary arrest and detention of young people nationwide, but when can citizens anticipate that this policy will be implemented immediately? The lack of confidence in the organization and its historical precedents, however, citizens would dismiss this information cheaply because officers won't adhere to it. Thanks,” Arakunrin commented.
“Nigeria keeps repeating systems that are doomed to fail. Everyone in the system, from top to bottom, is soaked in corruption. Bribery and extortion are embedded in their orientation, it’s part of the institution. We’ve heard enough already, please,” Ebitu added.
“I can swear right now that this singular order by the Top Policeman in Nigeria will be disobeyed almost immediately as it’s coming out of his mouth right in front of him,” Onile Gogoro added.
“This man is only trying to set you guys up,
If you're having anything to do with any police this festive season, just quietly obey them to avoid beating,
No be today we started hearing things like this from igp,” ATL Jacob stated.
“The problem is with the content not container”: Reactions as FG launches smart police station
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Nigerian government officially launched the construction of a smart divisional police headquarters and six residential quarters for police officers in Mpape, a community in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council.
TheRadar compiled some of the public reactions following the announcement of the smart police headquarters.