THE Kaduna State Police Command has ordered a full-scale investigation into a viral social media video allegedly showing police officers extorting money from motorists and cyclists during a stop-and-search operation.
News Point Nigeria reports that the directive was issued by the Commissioner of Police, Kaduna State Command, CP Rabiu Muhammad, who ordered that the officers captured in the video be identified and invited for questioning.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, on Tuesday, the police said any officer found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action.
The Command also clarified that routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations had been curtailed, except in situations where credible intelligence indicated the movement of criminals, arms or other prohibited items.
According to the statement, the location featured in the viral video is a suburb of Millennium City, an area previously associated with criminal activity.
The police said operatives had earlier recovered 20 AK-47 rifles along the same route, highlighting the security concerns in the area.
However, the Commissioner stressed that legitimate security operations must not be used as a means of extortion, harassment or other forms of misconduct.
“No police officer is permitted to use legitimate security duties as an avenue for extortion, harassment, or any form of misconduct,” the Command said.
The police commended members of the public for drawing attention to the alleged misconduct and encouraged residents to continue reporting unprofessional behaviour by officers.
The viral video was reportedly footage of police officers stopping motorists and motorcycle riders during a stop-and-search operation in a suburb and allegedly demanding and collecting money from them.
The video drew public attention because the officers were accused of roadside extortion, with people sharing the footage on social media and calling for action against the personnel involved.
