The Lagos State Police Command has strongly condemned a mob attack on personnel of its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) who drove against traffic while responding to an emergency. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the officers were navigating through the opposite lane to reach the scene of a traffic obstruction. The incident was captured in a trending video showing an RRS patrol vehicle driving against the normal direction of traffic.
The police spokesperson clarified that the officers' action was a deliberate operational decision taken in the interest of public safety and convenience of other road users. The RRS team, led by an Inspector of Police, was detailed by the Command's Control Room following distress calls from individuals trapped in traffic congestion. The team had to navigate through the opposite lane to access the point where the obstruction originated and effectively address the situation.
Adebisi explained that traffic congestion in Lagos, if not promptly managed, could rapidly spread to adjoining roads, disrupt economic activities, and impede access for emergency services. The officers' action was in line with Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers driving under emergency situations or engaged in civil protection to disregard prescribed traffic signs.
The Command expressed concern over the confrontation, harassment, and deliberate obstruction of the officers while carrying out their assignment. Adebisi said the conduct and utterances of some individuals captured in the video raised concerns about possible personal animosity and attempts to undermine officers performing their lawful duties. The Command warned against intimidation, harassment, provocation, and obstruction of officers on lawful assignments.
The Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professional, responsive, and accountable policing. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Tijani Fatai, assured residents that the Command would continue to protect lives and property, maintain public order, and ensure the free movement of persons and vehicles across the state.
The Command also cautioned social media content creators against deliberately provoking, harassing, or obstructing police personnel to generate sensational online content or demoralize officers. It warned that the deliberate orchestration of confrontations with police officers for online engagement would no longer be tolerated, adding that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The incident occurred on November 5, 2026, and the Command remains open to genuine complaints, constructive criticism, and legitimate public scrutiny. However, these must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law. The Command's warning comes as it continues to work to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of residents in Lagos State.
Key points
- The Lagos State Police Command has condemned a mob attack on its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) officers who drove against traffic while responding to a distress call.
- The officers' action was in line with Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers to disregard prescribed traffic signs in emergency situations.
- The Command warned against intimidation, harassment, provocation, and obstruction of officers on lawful assignments, and cautioned social media content creators against deliberately provoking or harassing police personnel.
