The Kaduna State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into officers captured in a viral video allegedly collecting money from motorists and cyclists during a stop-and-search operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, ordered the identification and invitation of the officers involved for questioning.
In a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Mansir Hassan, the police said any officer found responsible for misconduct would face appropriate sanctions.
The command explained that routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations had been largely restricted, except when credible intelligence indicated the movement of criminals, weapons or other prohibited items.
However, the police said the location featured in the viral video had previously been associated with criminal activity. According to the command, the area is a suburb of Millennium City where security operatives had previously recovered 20 AK-47 rifles along the same route.
Despite the security concerns, the Commissioner of Police reportedly warned that officers must not use legitimate security operations as an opportunity to extort or harass members of the public.
The command stated that any officer found guilty of extortion, harassment or other forms of misconduct would face severe disciplinary and legal action.
The Kaduna Police Command also commended members of the public for remaining vigilant and encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of unprofessional conduct by police personnel.
It urged anyone with complaints against police officers to report them through the Police Complaint Response Unit.
