IGP Orders Halt to Arbitrary Arrests and Phone Checks by Police

• The Nigerian Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate stop to unnecessary arrests and detentions of youths across Nigeria.
• Police personnel are also instructed to cease arbitrary collection and checking of phones.
• Any officer caught violating these directives will face disciplinary action, including the Commissioner of Police and their supervisors.

The Nigerian Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a firm directive to stop the arbitrary arrests, detentions, and phone checks carried out by police officers across the country. This decision comes amid increasing criticism of police practices that violate human rights.

In a police wireless message dated December 13, 2024, Egbetokun warned that any police personnel involved in these unlawful activities would be severely punished. This includes disciplinary action against the Commissioner of Police and their supervising officers.

The message also highlighted the negative impact such practices have on the image of the Nigeria Police Force, citing past protests, including the EndSARS movement, which led to violence, property destruction, and loss of lives. The IGP emphasized that a monitoring unit will be deployed to ensure strict enforcement of the new policy.