The Lagos State Police Command has defended the movement of a Rapid Response Squad, RRS patrol vehicle against the direction of traffic in a viral video, saying officers were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic congestion.
The Command said the patrol team, led by an Inspector of Police, was dispatched by its Control Room to clear the obstruction and restore traffic flow.
According to a statement, the team was the closest available police formation and had to drive through the opposite lane to reach the point where the obstruction originated.
The Command explained that police vehicles could move against the normal direction of traffic under recognised emergency and operational circumstances, including responding to distress calls, pursuing suspects and undertaking urgent security operations.
It cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers driving under emergency or civil protection situations to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
The police said the operation was intended to prevent the congestion from spreading to adjoining roads, disrupting economic activities and potentially blocking access for emergency services.
However, the Command condemned the alleged harassment, confrontation and obstruction of the officers while carrying out the assignment.
It said the deliberate blocking of the road by individuals also denied other motorists access and constituted an infringement on their rights.
The Command further cited Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, on obstruction of police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to question police conduct, demand accountability and offer constructive criticism, the Command warned against intimidation, provocation and obstruction of officers performing lawful duties.
It also cautioned social media content creators against deliberately provoking or harassing police personnel to generate sensational online content, saying anyone found committing an offence would face the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Tijani Fatai, reiterated the Command’s commitment to professional, responsive and accountable policing.
He 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.