Get Guardian on GoogleThe Lagos State Police Command has defended officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) seen driving against the direction of traffic in a viral video, saying they were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic gridlock.
The command said the officers, who were on an official assignment, drove through the opposite lane to reach the source of the obstruction and restore the free flow of traffic.
In a statement, the command explained that the RRS patrol team, led by an Inspector of Police and operating with the vehicle marked RRS Attack 07, was dispatched by the Control Room after receiving distress calls from people trapped in the congestion.
According to the police, the team was the closest available formation to the location and had to navigate through the opposite lane to reach the point where the obstruction originated and address the situation.
The command said the officers’ action was a deliberate operational decision taken in the interest of public safety and to ease the movement of other road users, rather than an arbitrary disregard for traffic regulations.
It explained that traffic congestion in Lagos could quickly spread to adjoining roads if not promptly addressed, disrupting economic activities and potentially preventing emergency services from reaching people in distress.
The police also cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which allows law enforcement officers responding to emergencies or engaged in civil protection duties to disregard traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
The command expressed concern over what it described as the confrontation, harassment and deliberate obstruction of the officers while carrying out their assignment.
It said the conduct of some individuals, including their remarks captured in the viral 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 by the individuals, saying the action denied other motorists access and infringed on their rights to use the road.
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 question police conduct, demand accountability and express dissatisfaction, the command said such actions must remain within the bounds of the law.
