The Nigeria Police Force has warned traffic violators against abducting security operatives who enforce traffic laws while carrying out their legitimate duties.
Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued the warning on Friday in a video posted on the Force’s official X account.
“Don’t abduct our officers. Don’t take them away. Follow them wherever they are taking you—most especially their bases, units, and offices,” he said, adding that under no circumstances should such be the norm.
He decried a trending situation whereby drivers would rather fight, or drive off law enforcement agents who contravene their vehicles, stressing that they are in great violation and risk severe sanctions.
Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, emphasised that whatever the case may be, drivers are obliged to obey the officers, whether they want to take them to their stations or take over their vehicles.
“We have seen cases where Federal Road Safety Corps officers contravene vehicles and drivers manhandle them. We’ve seen evident cases where state-owned traffic and road agencies contravene vehicles, and drivers beat them and/or take them away. This is not too good.
“Once you have violated traffic law and your vehicle has been contravened, you are to follow them. You are to comply. You are obliged to obey the instructions of these law enforcement officers,” he stated.
The police image maker also weighed in on the danger and possible accidents such an act could portend, which he advised should be avoided.
He stated that making complaints to appropriate quarters and channels is also important rather than taking laws into one’s own hands.
“And of course, if you notice you are not so comfortable with that—probably because they have gone beyond their boundaries and they have violated the standard operating procedures of their organisations—particularly operatives of the Nigeria Police Force—you have the number of all our (states) PROs.
“You have our social media platforms and handles at your fingertips. Reach out to us to complain, whatever the case may be,” he added.
