Officers and men of the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Task Force) Taskforce have been warned that any verified misconduct against them will attract severe sanctions.
Commissioner of Police, Olorundare Jimoh, warned that the Command could possibly dissolve and or restructure the entire task force over any verified information of misconduct by officers and men of the Unit.
Despite backing the officers, Jimoh made it clear that misconduct would not be tolerated.
According to him, he will not hesitate to dissolve the task force and bring in a new set of personnel if there is clear evidence of human rights violations, as no officer is indispensable.
He further assured that erring officers would not be shielded, noting that disciplinary measures, including prosecution, remain on the table where violations are established.
Speaking at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Jimoh addressed public concerns triggered by a viral video showing the arrest of a traffic offender.
The incident sparked widespread debate online, with some residents alleging that task force officials used excessive force.
However, the police commissioner defended the officers involved, stating that there was no evidence of abuse or dehumanisation in the case.
According to Jimoh, the suspect, arrested for driving against traffic, was handled in line with legal procedures.
He emphasised that the suspect was promptly taken before a mobile court, where the charges were read, and bail was granted, adding that the individual was only remanded after failing to meet bail conditions.
According to him, the suspect was promptly charged to court the same day of arrest, where bail was granted.
The Police boss said he would not interfere with the sanctity of the court, noting that the police action terminates where judicial processes begin,” adding that grievances must be channeled through legal representation before the court.
Dismissing allegations of human rights violations, Jimoh stated that no evidence exists showing the suspect was assaulted or maltreated, insisting that police conduct in the matter remained within the bounds of the law.
Jimoh revealed that family members of the suspect, his wife and brother, visited his office demanding police intervention, but he made it clear that the police cannot override court processes once a suspect has been arraigned.
He reiterated that law enforcement must be guided strictly by legal provisions, stressing that no act constitutes an offence unless expressly defined by law, and procedures must be followed accordingly.
He urged residents to report any cases of misconduct directly to the police, assuring that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated.
In response to public concerns, the commissioner disclosed that retraining programmes have already been initiated for task force personnel.
He emphasised that the task force remains an important component in maintaining order in Lagos, given the city’s large and growing population.
Jimoh stressed the importance of striking a balance between law enforcement and respect for citizens’ rights.
According to him, Policing in Lagos requires a balance between enforcing the law and respecting the dignity of citizens.
He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, discipline, and strengthening trust between law enforcement agencies and the public.
Jimoh also acknowledged the role of social media and the press in promoting accountability but warned against the spread of misinformation.
The police boss disclosed that upon learning of the incident, he immediately directed his Public Relations Officer to establish contact with the individual behind Object TV, even as he maintained that due engagement remains open.
When asked if it was right for Policemen to go on operations with unbranded vehicles, CP Jimoh justified the use of unmarked vehicles and covert operations, describing them as critical tools in outsmarting criminal elements who often evade conventional patrol systems.
He explained that while marked vehicles serve as visible deterrents, undercover operations enable officers to detect and intercept crimes in real time, particularly in traffic-related and urban crime scenarios.
Jimoh added that such strategies have contributed significantly to reducing traffic-related infractions and improving response to opportunistic crimes across Lagos.
In a direct appeal to the public, the police chief urged Lagos residents to resist the urge to vilify law enforcement, instead advocating constructive engagement and collaboration.
He highlighted ongoing police-youth dialogues and partnerships with civil society organisations as part of efforts to bridge trust gaps and enhance community policing.
While acknowledging that enforcement often attracts resistance, Jimoh maintained that order and safety in a megacity like Lagos require collective responsibility and adherence to the rule of law.
Reaffirming his openness, he invited aggrieved individuals, including the Object TV publisher, to engage with the command, stressing that the police remain committed to transparency, accountability, and the protection of all citizens.
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