NIGERIA: Police Begin Disciplinary Action Against Officers Over Alleged Ethnic Remarks During Lagos-Benin Expressway Stop-And-Search

By Onoja Baba

The Nigeria Police Force has commenced disciplinary proceedings against four officers captured in a viral video allegedly displaying unprofessional conduct and making derogatory ethnic remarks during a stop-and-search operation along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

The officers, comprising an Assistant Superintendent of Police and three Inspectors, have been identified and are currently in custody pending an orderly room trial.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had directed the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, to carry out a full investigation into the incident.

The investigation, according to the police, is aimed at determining the level of involvement of each officer and ensuring appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.

The Force condemned the conduct shown in the video, stressing that ethnic profiling, disrespect and unprofessional behaviour toward members of the public would not be tolerated.

“The conduct shown in the video does not reflect the values of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.

The police reiterated its commitment to promoting fair and ethical policing while rebuilding public confidence and strengthening its relationship with communities across the country.

The development follows public outrage over the viral video, which showed officers attached to a stop-and-search team allegedly engaging a member of the public in a manner considered offensive and contrary to professional policing standards.

The Nigeria Police Force assured Nigerians that officers who violate its rules of engagement would be held accountable.