New Lagos CP vows to ‘deal ruthlessly’ with officers involved in extortion

By Deborah Akpede

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, has vowed to deal ruthlessly with any officer involved extortion and any form of misconduct within the police force.

Tijani who assumed office on Thursday as the 42nd Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, issued the warning on Friday while addressing officers at the Officers’ Mess in Ikeja.

While outlining his vision for a disciplined, ethical, and community-focused police force, the CP Tijani declared that no police officer would be permitted to unlawfully demand or collect money from the public.

“Any officer caught in that web will be dealt with ruthlessly,” he said.

Tijani urged residents to report incidents of extortion or bribery, promising full investigation and public disclosure of any action taken against offending officers.

He said that all cases must be handled on their merits and resolved appropriately, either through prosecution or alternative dispute resolution, without resorting to coercion or illegal fees.

The commissioner added that modern policing must be grounded in humility and integrity, noting that officers were meant to serve the public, not dominate it.

“When police see themselves as lords over the citizens, we lose the respect and trust of the people.

“Our job is to serve with integrity,” Tijani said.

He emphasised that ethical conduct and transparency were non-negotiable, insisting that officers must uphold these standards to earn public confidence.

Tijani also revealed plans to enhance visible policing by deploying officers across strategic locations to proactively deter crime.

“A visible police presence can prevent criminal activity, as offenders are less likely to act when aware that police are monitoring the area, ” he said.

He also announced the reactivation of convoy patrols across area commands, supported by government-provided vehicles, ensuring officers were consistently present and alert in their communities.

Tijani outlined plans for heightened enforcement against criminal activities, including cultism, land grabbing, and other illegal acts.

He pledged daily raids of known criminal black spots and targeted operations against cult groups and land grabbers.

“These activities will no longer be tolerated. Our officers will be fully committed to enforcing the law,” he said.

The police boss further warned that civil disputes should not be criminalised or exploited for financial gain, emphasising the role of law and proper channels in resolving conflicts.

The CP encouraged members of the public to speak out against any misconduct, whether by police, task force officers, or Lagos State Traffic Management Authority officials.

He assured that complaints would be treated seriously and that perpetrators would face the full force of disciplinary action.

Tijani urged officers to embrace discipline, dedication, and service-oriented policing, warning that under his watch, extortion and abuse of authority would not be tolerated.

(NAN)