The Lagos State Police Command has defended officers of its Rapid Response Squad (RRS) captured in a viral video driving against the normal direction of traffic, explaining that they were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic congestion.
The Command said the patrol vehicle, identified as ‘RRS Attack 07’, was deployed by its Control Room to address a traffic obstruction and restore the free flow of vehicles.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, the Command explained that the RRS team, led by an Inspector of Police, was the closest available police formation to the location and immediately responded to the emergency.
According to the police, the officers had to navigate through the opposite lane to reach the point where the obstruction originated and effectively address the situation.
The Command maintained that police vehicles are permitted to move against the normal direction of traffic under recognised emergency and operational circumstances, including responding to distress calls, pursuing criminal suspects and undertaking urgent security operations.
It cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers operating under emergency situations or civil protection duties to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
The police further explained that traffic congestion in Lagos could quickly spread to adjoining roads if not promptly managed, disrupting economic activities and potentially obstructing access for emergency services.
It described the officers’ action as a deliberate operational decision taken in the interest of public safety rather than a disregard for traffic regulations.
However, the Command expressed concern over the alleged confrontation, harassment and deliberate obstruction of the officers while carrying out their assignment.
It also criticised individuals captured in the video for allegedly blocking the road and preventing other motorists from accessing it, describing the action as an infringement on the rights of other road users.
The statement added that obstructing police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties could constitute an offence under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to demand accountability and criticise police conduct, the Command warned against intimidation, harassment, provocation and deliberate obstruction of officers performing lawful duties.
It also cautioned social media content creators against allegedly provoking or obstructing police personnel to generate sensational online content and engagement.
The Command warned that anyone found culpable of committing an offence in this regard 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 police 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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