- Lagos police command said errant officers have been identified and will face commensurate disciplinary actions immediately.
- The police CP ordered full restructuring of the squad involved in the assault, stressing the action will serve as deterrent.
The commissioner of police in Lagos, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered the restructuring of a squad accused of assaulting a motorist.
The action follows outrage over a viral video showing officers forcibly attempting to remove a motorist’s eyeglasses during a stop-and-search.
The officers were reportedly suspicious that the glasses contained a hidden recording feature, sparking a confrontation that was captured on video.
The footage, which circulated on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, triggered widespread condemnation from citizens.
Spokesperson for the Lagos police command, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that swift disciplinary measures have already been taken against the erring officers.
In a statement, the Nigeria Police Force described the incident as isolated, insisting it does not reflect expected professional standards.
“We strongly condemn the actions of some officers captured in a viral video attempting to forcibly remove a pair of glasses from a motorist during a stop-and-search operation, and further assaulting him,” the statement said.
“The officers involved have been identified as personnel attached to the Lagos state police command.
“The commissioner of police in charge of the Lagos state command has been contacted and has swiftly acted appropriately to ensure that the officers face commensurate disciplinary actions. He has equally ordered for the restructuring of the squad involved.”
The police assured members of the public that the act would not be condoned and pledged to sanction errant officers.
“The Nigeria police force assures the public that this isolated incident does not represent the standards of professionalism expected of police personnel.
“The force leadership stands on its commitment to identifying and sanctioning the very few errant officers whose actions embarrass dedicated, hardworking and responsible personnel of the force.”