“Nigerian police officers have been warned not to search any individual’s phone. Anybody can record any police officer at his duty post. As long as the officer is doing the right thing, there is nothing to fear about being recorded. Police officers can also start recording their… pic.twitter.com/058zsFXOvU
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) April 21, 2026
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers under his command against searching individuals’ mobile phones, insisting on the need to respect citizens’ rights.
Fatai reacting to recent reports of harassment by some officers noted that such actions betrays the ethics and conduct of the Nigeria police force.
On the issue of citizens recording officers during a stop and search routine operation, the police commissioner stated that members of the public have the right to record police officers while they are on duty.
According to him, officers who act professionally and within the law have nothing to fear from being recorded.
Fatai also encouraged police personnel to adopt transparency by documenting their own activities while on duty, noting that such practices could help build public trust and accountability within the force.
The directive comes amid growing public concern over unlawful searches and the conduct of some officers, with authorities reiterating the importance of upholding professionalism and respecting civil liberties.
