Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations

Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has issued a firm directive prohibiting officers from searching citizens’ mobile phones during stop-and-search operations, stressing that such practices are not permitted under existing policing rules.

The directive was issued in a video statement shared on Tuesday, outlining new operational standards for officers of the Nigeria Police Force deployed across Lagos State. The move is aimed at improving professionalism, strengthening accountability, and reducing public complaints during police encounters.

The police chief made it clear that officers are strictly barred from inspecting or searching civilians’ mobile phones during any operation. He stated that enforcement duties must remain within legal limits and focus only on approved procedures.

“Our men have been warned not to search any phone from any individual. We are there to search vehicles,” he said.

He explained that stop-and-search operations are primarily designed to check vehicles and verify passengers to prevent citizens from unknowingly entering vehicles operated by criminals. According to him, the focus of policing should remain on security threats and not personal digital devices.

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The Commissioner also addressed concerns about public recording of police officers, stating that officers should not be afraid of being filmed while carrying out lawful duties. He emphasised that transparency is part of modern policing.

“When we know that what we are doing is the right thing, we shouldn’t entertain any fears of anybody recording us. You can record us. We can record you as well,” he said.

He added that accountability must be mutual, noting that both officers and citizens are entitled to record interactions during official engagements as long as operations remain lawful.

The directive forms part of broader reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at improving professionalism and reducing allegations of misconduct, harassment, and abuse of power during routine stop-and-search operations.

Security analysts say the decision aligns with growing calls for stronger police accountability in Nigeria and better respect for constitutional protections, especially regarding digital privacy rights in Nigeria.

Under the new directive, officers are prohibited from searching citizens’ phones, stop-and-search duties must focus strictly on vehicles, citizens are allowed to record police officers on duty, and officers are required to operate within approved legal boundaries at all times.

The Commissioner said the policy is also intended to build trust between the police and the public, particularly in Lagos, where stop-and-search operations are common due to heavy traffic flow and urban security challenges.

He urged officers to remain disciplined and professional, stressing that effective policing must balance security responsibilities with respect for human rights and the rule of law.

The development is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to reform policing standards in Nigeria, improve public confidence in law enforcement, and reduce friction between officers and citizens during field operations.

Lagos Police Ban Officers From Searching Citizens’ Phones During Operations