Lagos police say emergency duty allows officers to drive against traffic

The Lagos State Police Command has defended the actions of a Rapid Response Squad team after a video showing their patrol vehicle, RRS Attack 07, driving against the flow of traffic went viral. The police stated that the team was dispatched by the Control Room to clear a traffic obstruction after receiving reports from people stuck in the congestion.

According to the Command, the patrol unit, which was led by an Inspector, was the nearest available force to the scene. The officers navigated the opposite lane to reach the source of the gridlock and restore movement, an action the police described as a necessary operational measure to prevent the situation from worsening.

The Command cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, to support their position. This regulation allows law enforcement personnel to ignore standard traffic signs during emergencies or civil protection duties, provided they maintain safety for other road users.

The police statement noted: “The team’s action was therefore a deliberate operational decision taken in the interest of public safety and the convenience of other road users, and not an act of arbitrary disregard for traffic regulations.”

Despite justifying the maneuver, the Command condemned the behavior of individuals who confronted and obstructed the officers during the operation. They stated that the actions of these people, which included blocking the road, infringed on the rights of other motorists.

The police warned that such interference is a violation of Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020. The Command stated: “The command remains open to genuine complaints, constructive criticism, and legitimate public scrutiny. However, these must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.”

While the police acknowledged the public's right to demand accountability, they cautioned against using officers for orchestrated online content or harassment. They emphasized that they would not tolerate intimidation or deliberate efforts to hinder police duties.