Egbetokun asks senior police officers to curb extortion of commuters on highways

Kayode Egbetokun, acting inspector-general of police, has warned officers against the extortion and harassment of commuters on highways.

Egbetokun said the force has noted the series of complaints on the unprofessional conduct of police officers as raised by the national assembly.

In a statement on Tuesday, Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, said the acting IGP has expressed strong displeasure at the misconduct of some police officers along major highways in the country.

“The IGP expresses strong displeasure at the misconducts of a few recalcitrant officers along our major highways in Nigeria, which have repeatedly tarnished the force’s reputation,” the statement reads.

“The alleged incidences of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of commuters on the highways are being looked into, and the Force is resolute in addressing these issues promptly and decisively.

“In response to the reports and series of complaints received on police platforms, the IGP has directed all supervising officers to undertake stringent supervision of their subordinates in the field with the primary objective of curbing and eradicating the unprofessional conduct of erring officers.

“He noted that it is imperative that supervising officers take proactive measures to prevent any form of misconduct, and where such misconduct is observed, they are expected to take immediate action to rectify the situation.”

Adejobi said any officer found guilty of misconduct will face severe disciplinary measures.

“Personnel found guilty of such offenses will face severe disciplinary measures, aimed at deterring future occurrences,” he said.

“Moreover, supervisory officers who fail to fulfill their duty of oversight will also face appropriate sanctions.”

In July, the senate asked the acting IGP to direct its personnel to stop extortion, intimidation, and harassment of motorists and commuters on highways.