The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a strong directive to officers of the Nigeria Police, cautioning them against involvement in land disputes and other civil cases.
In a video statement shared on the Police’s official X handle on Thursday, the police chief stressed that officers “have no business escorting parties for land recovery.”
Egbetokun emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force is not to be used as an instrument for advancing private interests or settling personal grievances.
He said, “Let me reiterate without ambiguity, the Nigeria Police Force is not and will never become an enforcer for private interests.”
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The IGP stated that officers must remain neutral, warning that any officer found engaging in unauthorised civil interference will face disciplinary measures.
“Officers have no business escorting parties for land recovery business, disrupting legally existing occupations or meddling in civil cases without a demonstrable criminal element,” he said.
He noted that such acts undermine the credibility of the Force and compromise its duty to remain impartial in civil matters.
“Every such incident erodes the neutrality of the force and opens us up to disrepute. The line must be clear and any officer who crosses it, must face disciplinary consequences,” the IGP added.
Egbetokun stressed that the directive was aimed at reinforcing professionalism within the Force and restoring public confidence in its operations.
The statement comes amid growing concerns that police officers are increasingly being drawn into private land disputes and civil disagreements across the country.
