Kaduna CP orders investigation following viral extortion video

The Kaduna State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into police officers allegedly captured extorting money from motorists and cyclists in a viral video. The footage, circulating on social media, reportedly shows the officers engaging in the alleged misconduct during a stop-and-search operation in a suburb of Millennium City.

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The Command wishes to clarify that routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations has been curtailed , except where there is credible intelligence on the movement of criminals, arms, or other prohibited items.

Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, directed that the officers involved be identified and invited for questioning. Those found culpable will face appropriate sanctions. The command clarified that routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations have been curtailed, with such activities now restricted to instances with credible intelligence regarding the movement of criminals, arms, or prohibited items.

The statement noted that the area where the video was filmed has previously been used by criminal elements, citing a past recovery of 20 AK-47 rifles by police operatives along the same route. DSP Mansir Hassan, the command's spokesman, stressed that no officer is permitted to use legitimate security duties as a pretext for extortion, harassment, or misconduct. He assured that guilty officers would face severe disciplinary and legal action.

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The Command, however, notes that the route in the video has previously been used by criminal elements, it’s a suburb of millennium city. It was along the same route that Police operatives previously recovered 20 AK-47 rifles.

CP Muhammad also commended the public for their vigilance and encouraged continued reporting of unprofessional conduct by police officers. Social media users reacted to the video, with many expressing that such incidents are widespread across Nigeria. Some questioned the necessity of an investigation when the video clearly shows the alleged offense, while others noted that such behavior persists despite potential salary increases for police officers.

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No officer is permitted to use legitimate security duties as an avenue for extortion, harassment or any form of misconduct, and that those found guilty would face severe disciplinary and legal action.

The Kaduna State Police Command reiterated its commitment to professional policing, accountability, and the protection of residents' rights and safety.

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Come to bypass and see something…extorting tricyclist every goddamn day and they are fully dressed.