Police Probe Officers Over Alleged Extortion Of Kaduna Motorists, Cyclists

Kaduna State Police Command has ordered an investigation into some police officers allegedly seen extorting motorists and cyclists during a stop-and-search operation in a viral video circulating on social media.

The commissioner of police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, directed that the officers involved be identified and invited for a full-scale investigation, adding that those found culpable would be appropriately sanctioned.
In a statement issued yesterday by the command’s spokespersons, DSP Mansir Hassan, he said routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations had been curtailed, except where there was credible intelligence on the movement of criminals, arms or other prohibited items.

Hassan, however, said the route shown in the video had previously been used by criminal elements, noting that it was a suburb of Millennium City.

According to him, police operatives had previously recovered 20 AK-47 rifles on the route.

“No Police officer is permitted to use legitimate security duties as an avenue for extortion, harassment, or any form of misconduct,” he said.

He warned that any officer found culpable would face severe disciplinary and legal action.

Hassan further said complaints could be made to the Police Complaint Response Unit (CRU) on 09049498983, 08075391105 and 07039675856.

The Command commended members of the public for their vigilance and urged them to continue reporting unprofessional conduct by police officers.

The Command reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing, accountability and the protection of the rights and safety of all residents of Kaduna State.