Kaduna Police Probe Viral Extortion Video, Order Investigation of Officers

Kaduna Police Probe Viral Extortion Video, Order Investigation of Officers
The Kaduna State Police Command has ordered a full-scale investigation into allegations of extortion involving some police officers during a stop-and-search operation in a suburb of Millennium City.

The directive followed the circulation of a video on social media showing uniformed police personnel allegedly demanding money from motorists and cyclists during the operation.
Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, directed the identification and invitation of the officers seen in the video for questioning. He said disciplinary and legal action would be taken if they are found culpable.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
According to Hassan, routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations have been curtailed, except in situations where credible intelligence indicates the movement of criminals, arms or other prohibited items.
He explained that the route featured in the viral video had previously been used by criminal elements and noted that police operatives had earlier recovered 20 AK-47 rifles along the same route.
Hassan stressed that legitimate policing duties must not be used to extort, harass or intimidate members of the public. He warned that officers found guilty of misconduct would face severe disciplinary and legal consequences.
The Commissioner also commended residents who brought the alleged misconduct to the attention of the authorities and encouraged members of the public to continue reporting unprofessional conduct by police personnel.
The viral video has generated reactions on social media, with some users alleging that similar cases of extortion by police officers occur in other parts of the country.
The Kaduna State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to professional policing, accountability and the protection of residents’ rights and safety as the investigation continues.