Led by the Chairman, Abiodun Olufemi Liadi, the NIS delegation made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, Dr Lanre Ogunlowo.
The delegation highlighted the challenges surveyors face daily, particularly instances where they are wrongfully arrested while lawfully conducting their duties on disputed lands. They expressed concern over cases where surveyors are detained alongside land-grabbing factions despite being legally engaged for surveying assignments.
The surveyors clarified that their role involves land planning, demarcation, and delineation, not granting titles or ownership, and appealed to the police command to address misconceptions that portray them as land sellers.
They also lamented threats, harassment, and violence from touts and criminal elements during site inspections, emphasising the need for police protection.
Additionally, the delegation advocated public enlightenment on the role of surveyors in land matters, stressing the importance of engaging trained professionals to minimise reliance on unqualified individuals, who often escalate disputes into violent conflicts.
In his response, Ogunlowo acknowledged the pervasive issue of land grabbing and assured the delegation of the command’s commitment to protecting lawful surveyors.
However, he urged surveyors to avoid colluding with notorious land grabbers or falsifying survey plans to favour disputing parties, warning that such actions constitute forgery, a criminal offence under Nigerian law.
The commissioner emphasised the need for strict adherence to professional ethics, noting that the police would only support registered and law-abiding surveyors.
He reiterated that land disputes are primarily civil matters and should be resolved in courts unless criminal elements, such as violence or the use of dangerous weapons, are involved.
Ogunlowo assured the surveyors of the police’s continued support for genuine professionals while promising decisive action against illegal actors in land-related matters.
“The Ogun State Police Command remains committed to ensuring law, order, and justice in all land-related issues and urges the public to seek legal channels for resolving disputes,” he added.
