By Our Reporter
The Lagos State Police Command has defended officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) captured in a viral video driving against the normal direction of traffic, saying they were responding to distress calls to clear a traffic obstruction.
The Command said the officers’ action was necessary to access the point where the congestion originated and restore the free flow of traffic, insisting that it was an operational decision taken in the interest of public safety.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the patrol vehicle, identified as RRS Attack 07, was manned by a team led by an Inspector of Police and deployed by the Command’s Control Room following distress calls from motorists trapped in the congestion.
According to the statement, the RRS team was the closest available police formation to the location and immediately responded to the calls for intervention.
The Command explained that police vehicles could lawfully move against the normal direction of traffic under recognised emergency and operational circumstances, including responding to distress calls, pursuing criminal suspects and undertaking urgent security operations.
It cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers responding to emergencies or engaged in civil protection duties to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
The Police noted that traffic congestion in Lagos could quickly spread to adjoining roads if not properly managed, disrupting economic activities and potentially obstructing access for emergency services.
However, the Command condemned what it described as the confrontation, harassment and deliberate obstruction of the officers while carrying out their assignment.
It also faulted the conduct of individuals captured in the video, alleging that they deliberately blocked the road and denied other motorists access.
The Command said such actions could amount to obstruction of police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to express concerns, demand accountability and criticise police conduct, the Command warned against intimidation, harassment, provocation and obstruction of officers performing lawful assignments.
It also cautioned social media content creators against deliberately provoking or obstructing police personnel to generate sensational online content or undermine officers’ morale.
The Command warned that anyone found culpable of committing offences in this regard 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 the Police would continue to protect lives and property, maintain public order and ensure the free movement of persons and vehicles across the state.
