In a four-minute and 27-second video shared on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) X account on Friday, the Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, addressed the increasing incidents of drivers abducting police officers during traffic stops, News About Nigeria reports.
He urged citizens to comply with law enforcement officials instead of resorting to violence or abduction.
ACP Adejobi pointed out a disturbing trend where drivers, whose vehicles are contravened by police officers and other law enforcement agents, zoom off with the officers inside the vehicles.
“It is wrong. It is very, very wrong. Let us avoid certain things because we need to manage a situation like this. Once you have been contravened, please comply with them—not only the police but also other law enforcement agencies,” he said.
Adejobi cited instances where officers from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and state-owned traffic agencies have been manhandled or abducted by drivers.
He reminded the public that if they violate traffic laws and their vehicle is contravened, they must follow and comply with the officers’ instructions.
“Don’t abduct our officers. Don’t take them away. Follow them wherever they are taking you—most especially their bases, units, and offices,” he insisted.
He also stressed the importance of making complaints through appropriate channels rather than taking the law into one’s own hands.
“And of course, if you notice you are not so comfortable with that—probably because they have gone beyond their boundaries and they have violated the standard operating procedures of their organisations—particularly operatives of the Nigeria Police Force—you have the number of all our (states) PROs.
“You have our social media platforms and handles at your fingertips. Reach out to us to complain, whatever the case may be,” Adejobi advised.
The FPRO mentioned several dangerous situations where drivers have struggled with officers over vehicle control or carried officers on the bonnet of their vehicles.
He appealed for mutual respect and urged citizens to report misbehaviour by any law enforcement officers through proper channels.
Adejobi warned against actions that tarnish Nigeria’s image and disrespect uniformed officers.
“Don’t embarrass these men in uniform. Don’t attack them. They are outside there to ensure there is proper and adequate maintenance of the law. If you manhandle them, it is a disgrace to our national endowment, heritage, and integrity.
“If you rubbish these people, you rubbish the Federal Republic of Nigeria because they are in uniform,” he said.
He reminded the public that such actions are criminal offences and a disservice to the nation, urging respect and compliance to maintain the integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
