The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive banning arbitrary arrests, harassment of youths, and the checking of mobile phones by police officers across Nigeria.
The document, signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters, warns that erring officers and their supervisors will face severe penalties if the unlawful practices continue.
The memo also references the 2020 #EndSARS protests as a stark reminder of the consequences of police misconduct.
The protests, fueled by widespread grievances over police brutality, resulted in significant destruction, loss of lives, and a severe erosion of public trust in law enforcement.
The IGP’s directive reiterates that youth harassment, phone seizures, and unnecessary detentions at checkpoints must cease immediately. Command commissioners and supervisors will be held accountable for any violations, with monitoring units set to enforce compliance.
