The Lagos State Police Command has disbanded one of its tactical squads and detained its operatives after a viral video showed officers assaulting a motorist during a stop-and-search operation.
The footage, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by user Somto (@General_Somto), captured the moment officers stopped a motorist and attempted to forcefully remove his glasses, suspected to be fitted with a video camera. The altercation quickly escalated, with one officer seen hitting the man.
Reacting to the incident on Friday, the Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, announced that the Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, had taken immediate disciplinary action.
“Following a thorough preliminary investigation, CP Olohundare Jimoh has ordered the immediate detention of the entire team. The officers will face orderly room trial in line with established disciplinary procedures to ensure justice is served swiftly and transparently,” Hundeyin stated.
He added that the implicated tactical squad had been dissolved with immediate effect, and a new unit constituted. According to him, the reconstituted squad will operate with zero tolerance for corruption and adhere strictly to international best practices, with full respect for human rights and dignity.
Similarly, the Nigeria Police Force, in a statement on its official X handle, condemned the conduct of the officers.
“We strongly condemn the actions of the officers captured in the viral video. The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Lagos State Command has acted appropriately to ensure that they face commensurate disciplinary actions. He has equally ordered the restructuring of the squad involved,” the statement read.
The swift action by the Lagos Command and Force Headquarters comes amid renewed calls for accountability and professionalism in police operations across the country.