The Lagos State Police Command has defended a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol team seen in a viral video driving against the flow of traffic, saying the move was lawful and necessary. The Command also condemned the confrontation that followed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command said the patrol vehicle, identified as “RRS Attack 07,” was responding to distress calls when the incident occurred.
According to the Command, the team, led by an Inspector of Police, was dispatched by its Control Room after people trapped in the congestion called for police help to clear an obstruction. Being the closest available unit, the team responded immediately and had to use the opposite lane to reach the source of the blockage.
The police said the decision was deliberate and aimed at public safety. They warned that unmanaged traffic in Lagos can spread quickly to adjoining roads, cause gridlock, disrupt economic activity and block emergency services.
The Command cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which it said allows an officer driving in an emergency, or engaged in civil protection, to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided due regard is given to the safety of other road users.
The police expressed concern over what they described as harassment and deliberate obstruction of the officers during the operation. They said the utterances of the individuals captured in the video raised concerns about “possible personal animosity” and an attempt to undermine officers on lawful duty.
The Command added that the individuals’ blocking of the road denied other motorists access and infringed on their rights. It said the act amounted to obstruction of police officers under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to voice concerns, demand accountability and criticise police conduct, the Command said it would not tolerate intimidation, harassment, provocation or obstruction of officers. It said it remains open to genuine complaints and public scrutiny, provided they are exercised responsibly and within the law.
The Command also cautioned social media content creators against provoking or obstructing officers to generate sensational content or demoralise personnel. It said staging confrontations with police for online engagement is unacceptable, and that anyone found culpable would “face the full weight of the law.”
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, reiterated the Command’s commitment to professional, responsive and accountable policing. He assured residents that no effort would be spared in maintaining public order, protecting lives and property, and ensuring the free movement of people and vehicles across the state.
