The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned police officers against inappropriate online conduct, threatening sanctions for personnel whose activities on social media undermine the image of the Nigeria Police Force.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command held in Ikeja.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu, on professionalism, discipline, human rights and accountability.
The police commissioner directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy, warning that inappropriate online behaviour would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.
The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel from various divisions, units and sections of the command.
Fatai also reiterated the need to address complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He charged officers to uphold the rule of law, respect human rights and discharge their duties lawfully, stressing that misconduct would attract disciplinary action.
The commissioner further warned that supervisory officers would be held accountable for the conduct of personnel under their command.
He specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices, directing their commanders to ensure professionalism, restraint and respect for citizens’ rights.
On the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that arrests complied with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification, while directing officers to safeguard the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody and ensure their humane treatment.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the police commissioner charged officers to remain neutral and professional, directing them to monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
He also urged personnel to keep abreast of local and international developments and emerging security challenges, improve their professional capacity and remain vigilant against threats to security in Lagos State.
Fatai reminded officers that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
