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The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Tijani Fatai, has issued a stern warning to officers of the command, vowing decisive action against any personnel found engaging in extortion or other forms of misconduct.
Fatai, who assumed office on Thursday as the 42nd Commissioner of Police, gave the directive on Friday while addressing officers at the Officers’ Mess in Ikeja.
Outlining his vision for a disciplined and community-oriented police force, he stressed that no officer would be allowed to unlawfully demand or collect money from members of the public.
“Any officer caught in that web will be dealt with ruthlessly,” he warned.
He urged residents to report cases of extortion and bribery, assuring that all complaints would be thoroughly investigated, with appropriate sanctions publicly disclosed.
According to him, cases must be handled strictly on their merits and resolved through lawful means, including prosecution or alternative dispute resolution, without resorting to intimidation or illegal charges.
The police chief emphasised that modern policing must be anchored on humility and integrity, noting that officers are servants of the public, not overlords.
“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,” he said.
Fatai maintained that ethical conduct and transparency are essential to restoring public confidence in the force.
He also announced plans to strengthen visible policing by deploying officers to strategic locations across the state to deter criminal activities.
“A visible police presence can prevent crime, as offenders are less likely to act when they know they are being watched,” he noted.
The commissioner also disclosed that convoy patrols would be reactivated across area commands, supported by government-provided vehicles, to ensure sustained presence and rapid response.
Fatai further outlined intensified enforcement measures targeting cultism, land grabbing, and other criminal activities, including daily raids on identified black spots.
“These activities will no longer be tolerated. Our officers will be fully committed to enforcing the law,” he stated.
He also cautioned against the misuse of police authority in civil disputes, stressing that such matters should not be criminalised or exploited for personal gain.
The CP called on the public to report any form of misconduct by police officers, task force personnel, or officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, assuring that all complaints would be treated seriously and offenders sanctioned accordingly.
He urged officers to uphold discipline, professionalism, and a service-driven approach, reiterating that extortion and abuse of authority would not be tolerated under his leadership.
