As part of ongoing police reforms, the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, has emphasised discipline, transparency, and respect for human rights, warning that extortion will not be tolerated under his leadership.
Tijani, who on Thursday assumed office as the 42nd Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, issued the warning while addressing officers at the Command’s Officers’ Mess in Ikeja, where he outlined his vision for a professional, ethical, and community-oriented police force.
He declared that any form of extortion, bribery, or abuse of office would attract severe sanctions, stressing that officers must operate strictly within the law.
“No police officer under my watch will unlawfully demand or collect money from members of the public. Any officer caught in that web will be dealt with ruthlessly,” he said.
The Commissioner urged residents to report incidents of misconduct, assuring that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated and outcomes made public in line with accountability standards.
“We will ensure that every complaint is treated on its merit. Where offences are established, appropriate disciplinary actions, including prosecution, will follow,” Tijani stated.
Reinforcing the principles of rights-based policing, Tijani cautioned officers against intimidation and coercion, noting that modern policing requires humility and integrity.
“When police officers see themselves as lords over the citizens, we lose the trust and respect of the people. Our duty is to serve with integrity and uphold the rights of all,” he said.
He further stressed that civil disputes must not be criminalised or exploited for financial gain, directing officers to adopt lawful procedures, including alternative dispute resolution mechanisms where necessary.
On operational strategy, the police chief disclosed plans to strengthen visible policing across the state through strategic deployment of personnel and reactivation of convoy patrols.
“A visible police presence serves as a deterrent. We will deploy officers across key locations to proactively prevent crime and reassure the public,” he added.
Tijani also announced intensified enforcement against criminal activities such as cultism and land grabbing, revealing that daily raids of identified black spots and targeted operations would be sustained.
“These criminal acts will no longer be tolerated. Our officers will be decisive, professional, and fully committed to enforcing the law,” he said.
He called on officers to embrace discipline, dedication, and service-oriented policing, warning that misconduct would not be condoned under any guise.
“Ethical conduct and transparency are non-negotiable. We must earn the confidence of the people through our actions,” Tijani said.
The Commissioner reiterated his commitment to aligning the Lagos State Command with the reform agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, particularly on zero tolerance for corruption and strict adherence to human rights standards.
Lagos CP Vows Crackdown on Extortion, Enforces Rights-Based Policing
