The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against searching the mobile phones of citizens, stressing that such actions are not allowed under current policing rules.
The police boss gave the directive in a video shared by News Central TV on Tuesday, where he spoke on the need for professionalism and respect for the rights of Nigerians during police operations.
In the video, Fatai made it clear that officers must stay within the law while carrying out their duties. He said there is no reason for any officer to fear being recorded by members of the public, as long as they are doing the right thing.
“When we know that what we are doing is the right thing, we shouldn’t entertain any fears of anybody recording us,” he said. “Anybody can record any police officer at his duty post. In as much as the police officer is doing the right thing, he has nothing to fear.”
The Commissioner added that accountability is not one-sided. According to him, both police officers and citizens have the right to record each other, especially in public spaces where official duties are being carried out.
His comments come at a time when there have been growing concerns among Nigerians about the conduct of some police officers, particularly at checkpoints and during stop-and-search operations.
Over the years, reports of officers searching mobile phones without proper legal backing have sparked public outrage. Many citizens have complained that such actions often lead to harassment, intimidation, and in some cases, extortion.
Fatai’s latest directive appears to directly address these concerns. He stated clearly that officers under his command have been warned not to search phones under any circumstance.
“Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search the vehicles,” he said.
He explained that the main duty of officers at checkpoints is to ensure public safety, not to invade personal privacy. According to him, police checks are meant to verify passengers and ensure they are not being transported by criminals.
“We are there to know who and who is inside the vehicle and to be assured that the people have boarded the right vehicle,” he said. “Not vehicles of hoodlums who may take them to places they are not supposed to be.”
The issue of unlawful phone searches gained national attention during the End SARS protests, when thousands of young Nigerians took to the streets to protest police brutality and misconduct.
One of the major complaints during the protests was the habit of some officers stopping young people, checking their phones, and using the contents as a basis for harassment or arrest.
The protests led to the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a police unit that had been widely accused of abuse. Since then, there have been repeated calls for reforms within the Nigeria Police Force.
Fatai’s statement is being seen by many as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild public trust in the police.
In recent years, police authorities have introduced several measures aimed at improving accountability and professionalism. These include training programmes, public awareness campaigns, and stricter supervision of officers on duty.
However, many Nigerians still believe more needs to be done to ensure that officers fully comply with the law.
For residents of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital, interactions with police officers are a regular part of daily life. From traffic checkpoints to patrol stops, many people encounter security personnel on a daily basis.
Some residents who reacted to the Commissioner’s directive said it was a welcome development. They expressed hope that it would reduce cases of harassment and improve the relationship between the police and the public.
Others, however, said the real test would be in enforcement. They argued that while such directives are often announced, compliance on the ground remains a challenge.
They also note that allowing citizens to record police activities can help improve transparency. Videos recorded by the public have, in the past, played a role in exposing misconduct and holding officers accountable.
At the same time, experts advise citizens to remain respectful and avoid interfering with police duties while recording.
As Lagos continues to grow as a major urban centre, the need for effective and fair policing becomes even more important. Authorities say maintaining a balance between security and respect for human rights is essential.
For now, the message from the Lagos State Police Command is clear: officers must focus on their core duties and respect the rights of the people they serve.