The Nigeria Police Force has cautioned individuals who violate traffic regulations against kidnapping security personnel tasked with enforcing traffic laws during their lawful duties.
Force spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi delivered the warning in a video shared on the Force’s official social media account on Friday.
“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.
Have a splendid Friday! pic.twitter.com/qgrIJzXHNw
— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) June 7, 2024
He expressed concern over a prevalent trend where drivers opt to engage in physical altercations or flee from law enforcement officials who attempt to address violations concerning their vehicles. He underscored that such actions constitute serious violations and could result in significant penalties.
As an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adejobi emphasized that regardless of the circumstances, drivers are required to comply with the directives of law enforcement officers, whether they intend to escort them to their stations or take control of 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.