No More Arbitrary Arrests, Detention of Youths—IGP Warns Police

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern directive halting the arbitrary arrest and detention of youths across the country. The directive also prohibits the collection and checking of phones by police personnel at checkpoints and during routine patrols.

The order, contained in a police wireless message dated December 13, 2024, was addressed to all State Commands. It emphasized that any officer found violating these directives would face severe disciplinary action alongside the Command’s Commissioner of Police and supervisors.

The message, signed by the Department of Operations at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, comes amid growing public outrage over the rising cases of police misconduct, human rights violations, and unlawful activities.

“Arbitrary arrests, detention of youths, and collection or checking of phones must stop immediately. These attitudes are portraying the Nigeria Police Force in bad light,” the message stated.

The Inspector-General further acknowledged that such unlawful actions were part of the factors that culminated in the #EndSARS protest, which led to widespread destruction of properties and loss of lives across the country.

The communication, with reference DTO: 111996/ and Ref: CB:0900/DOPS/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.TIO/157, emphasized:

“There should be no unnecessary arrest and detention of youths, collection or checking of phones at checkpoints. These attitudes culminated in the EndSARS protest, destruction of properties, and killings in the past. Anyone caught indulging in these unlawful acts will face disciplinary action, alongside the Commands' Commissioners of Police and supervisors. The IGP will deploy monitoring units to enforce this directive. Treat as very important.”