AIG Danladi Isa Cracks Down on Checkpoint Extortion, Orders Intelligence-Led Police Operations Warns supervising officers will be held accountable for misconduct

AIG Danladi Isa Cracks Down on Checkpoint Extortion, Orders Intelligence-Led Police Operations

Warns supervising officers will be held accountable for misconduct

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, AIG Danladi Isa, on Thursday convened a strategic conference with senior officers of the Command, where he delivered the directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and issued strong warnings against extortion, corruption, and other forms of unprofessional conduct within the Nigeria Police Force.

The conference, held on July 30, 2026, was attended by Area Commanders (ACs), Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), Commanders of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), and other Heads of Departments (HODs).

AIG Isa said the meeting was aimed at reinforcing the operational and ethical standards expected of all personnel of the Force, particularly in line with the directives of the IGP.

A major focus of the conference was the growing concern over extortion and corruption at police checkpoints.

The AIG warned that such practices tarnish the image of the Force, erode public confidence, and weaken internal discipline.

He stressed that supervising officers would be held personally accountable for any acts of extortion or misconduct committed by officers under their command, adding that effective supervision was a core responsibility of every senior officer.

According to him, the era of ignoring unethical conduct among subordinates was over, and commanders must ensure that officers under their authority operate strictly within the law and the provisions of the Police Act and Regulations.

The AIG charged all officers to remain diligent, proactive, disciplined, and responsive in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that professionalism must remain the foundation of policing.

He also expressed concern over the increasing incidents of stealing and vandalism of government properties across the state.

He directed that such offences should no longer be treated as minor crimes but must be thoroughly investigated, suspects arrested, and cases diligently prosecuted in court.

AIG Isa further warned against indiscriminate raids, insisting that all police raids and enforcement operations must be intelligence-led and based on credible information.

He specifically directed the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and all sub-commanders to intensify continuous lectures, supervision, monitoring, and disciplinary measures within their formations to ensure that personnel operate professionally and within established rules of engagement.

The AIG also cautioned officers against interfering in civil matters, emphasizing that the police should not be used as a tool for settling private disputes.

He instructed officers to advise parties involved in civil disagreements to seek appropriate legal redress through the courts, warning that involvement in purely civil cases often leads to abuse of office and damages the credibility of the Force.

To strengthen police-community relations, AIG Isa directed commanders and DPOs to place greater emphasis on community engagement, stakeholder consultations, and confidence-building initiatives within their various formations.

He noted that effective policing depends heavily on public cooperation, mutual trust, and constant interaction between the police and the communities they serve.

On the enforcement of the ban on tinted glass, the AIG clarified that while officers must enforce the directive, individuals who possess valid tinted permits issued on genuine medical grounds should be given due consideration during enforcement operations.

He reminded officers that every policeman serves as a Public Relations Officer in his or her area of contact, whether at checkpoints, police stations, patrol points, or during public interactions.

As such, he said, officers must conduct themselves with discipline, courtesy, restraint, and professionalism, as their behavior directly shapes the public perception of the Nigeria Police Force.

AIG Isa also emphasized the importance of mentorship and leadership by example, urging senior officers to guide younger personnel through integrity, accountability, and exemplary conduct rather than mere instructions.

He stated that a disciplined and professional Force can only be achieved when leaders demonstrate the standards they expect from their subordinates.

The AIG commended the officers and men of the Command for their efforts in maintaining relative peace, law, and order across the state, despite prevailing security challenges.

He expressed appreciation for their cooperation, dedication, loyalty, and commitment to duty, and encouraged them to sustain the current momentum in crime prevention and public safety operations.

He urged all commanders, DPOs, and heads of formations to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, strengthen internal discipline, deepen community partnerships, and remain steadfast in the fight against crime and corruption within and outside the Force.