Lagos Police Commissioner Issues Stern Warning on Human Rights Violations
Moshood Jimoh, the Commissioner of Police for Lagos State, has declared that he will not hesitate to dissolve the current members of the state task force if clear evidence of human rights violations is established against them. This announcement was made during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
Background to the Warning
Recent allegations of human rights abuses and extortion against police officers attached to the Lagos State Task Force have prompted this strong stance. A video published by a blog showed task force operatives arresting a suspect accused of driving against traffic, which elicited public criticism over alleged excessive force.
However, CP Jimoh stated that his investigations revealed the operatives acted professionally, with no evidence of manhandling in the video. He explained that the suspect was promptly charged in court, granted bail, but remanded due to inability to meet bail conditions. "The police action terminates where judicial processes begin," Jimoh emphasized, noting he cannot punish officers for legal actions.
Accountability and Public Collaboration
Despite defending the specific incident, Jimoh stressed that any police officers found guilty of misconduct will face appropriate punishment. He referenced a case in Owode Onirin where five officers were charged to court for misconduct, asserting, "If I can charge five police officers to court for the case in Owode Onirin, then who will I not discipline if there is wrongdoing?"
Jimoh has met with task force officials, warning them against human rights abuses. "We are not going to defend any police officers who embark on any wrongdoing. We won’t," he said firmly. He also called for public support, urging Lagos residents to report misconduct to appropriate quarters, with assurances that all complaints will be thoroughly investigated.
Reforms and Security Measures
To address concerns, Jimoh outlined ongoing reforms, including posting new officers to the task force after thorough background checks, training, and reorientation. He plans to engage human rights organizations and civil society groups to broaden officers' understanding of human rights.
On operational tactics, Jimoh explained the use of unmarked vehicles, such as Korope minibuses, for covert operations to catch criminals unaware, while marked patrol vans serve as visible deterrents. He highlighted the importance of police-resident collaboration for Lagos safety, advocating constructive engagement over vilification.
Role of the Lagos State Task Force
The Lagos State Task Force, officially the Special Offences (Enforcement & Regulatory) Unit, enforces environmental, traffic, and security laws under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law of 2018. Led by Chairman CSP Adetayo Akerele, it targets illegal okada operations, traffic obstructions, and environmental nuisances.
Jimoh restated that task force operations are essential for maintaining safety in the populous state, with many other states adopting similar security models. He urged Lagosians to work with the police, promising openness to feedback and improvements.
Additional Police Initiatives
In related developments, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed monitoring teams to ensure compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive withdrawing police escorts from VIPs. Checks in key Lagos locations, such as the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge and Murtala Muhammed International Airport, found no violations as of December 6, 2025.
Jimoh’s command also engages in non-kinetic security measures, including dialogues with Lagos youth and partnerships with civil society organizations to restore trust and strengthen community-police relations.
