LAGOS POLICE EXPLAIN RRS OFFICERS’ ONE-WAY DRIVING, CITE EMERGENCY RESPONSE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
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 the officers were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic gridlock.
The command also condemned the alleged harassment and obstruction of the operatives while carrying out the assignment, warning social media content creators against provoking police officers to generate sensational online content.
In a statement, the command said the RRS patrol team, identified as “RRS Attack 07” and led by an Inspector of Police, was deployed by the Control Room following distress calls from individuals trapped in the traffic congestion.
According to the police, the team was the closest available formation to the location and immediately responded to the calls to clear the obstruction and restore the free flow of traffic.
It explained that the operatives had to navigate through the opposite lane to access the point where the obstruction originated and address the situation.
The command maintained that police vehicles were permitted to move against the normal direction of traffic under legally recognised emergency and operational circumstances, including responses to distress calls, pursuit of criminal suspects and urgent security operations.
It added that traffic congestion, if not promptly managed, could spread to adjoining roads, disrupt economic activities and obstruct access for emergency services.
The police cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers driving under emergency situations or while engaged in civil protection duties to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
However, the command expressed concern over what it described as the confrontation, harassment and deliberate obstruction of the officers during the operation.
It said the conduct of some individuals, including comments captured in the video, raised concerns about possible personal animosity and attempts to undermine officers performing their lawful duties.
The command also condemned the alleged deliberate blocking of the road, saying it denied other motorists access and infringed on their rights.
It added that obstructing police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties was an offence under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
While acknowledging the right of citizens to demand accountability and criticise police conduct, the command said it would not tolerate intimidation, harassment, provocation or obstruction of officers carrying out lawful assignments.
It urged social media content creators to refrain from deliberately provoking or obstructing police personnel for online engagement, warning that anyone found culpable would face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, 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.
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