The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate end to the unlawful arrest and detention of youths, as well as the arbitrary checking and confiscation of phones by police officers nationwide.
This directive, which comes amidst mounting public outcry over police misconduct, was communicated through a police wireless message dated December 13, 2024. Addressed to all state commands, the message was signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters and mandated strict compliance by all officers.
The IGP’s directive warns that any officer found violating these instructions will face severe disciplinary action, along with the Commissioner of Police (CP) of the affected command and their supervisors.
The wireless message stated: “Henceforth, there should be no unnecessary arrest and detention of youths, collecting of phones, or checking of phones at checkpoints. These should stop. This attitude is portraying the Nigeria Police Force in a bad image.”
Egbetokun’s directive follows widespread criticism of human rights violations, with arbitrary arrests and harassment of citizens—particularly the youth—remaining a persistent issue. The IGP noted that such misconduct had previously triggered the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which led to significant loss of lives and destruction of property across the country.
To ensure full compliance, Egbetokun announced the deployment of monitoring units tasked with supervising police operations and enforcing the directive nationwide. He emphasized that officers must carry out their duties within the ambit of the law and uphold the values of professionalism and integrity.
The IGP further stressed the need for the Nigeria Police Force to rebuild public trust, urging officers to refrain from actions that tarnish the image of the force. “The Nigeria Police must operate with transparency and respect for the rights of citizens. Officers who disobey this order will face severe consequences,” he warned.
This latest measure by the IGP reflects an effort to address longstanding concerns about police accountability and ensure that citizens’ fundamental rights are respected. The directive has been welcomed by civil society groups and human rights advocates, who view it as a positive step towards reforming police operations and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
With the deployment of monitoring units, the police leadership aims to ensure that the directive is not merely symbolic but actively enforced across all commands and formations in the country.
