IGP Bans Police Officers from Involvement in Land Disputes, Civil Cases

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a firm directive to all officers of the Nigeria Police Force, warning them to stay away from land disputes and other civil matters that fall outside the jurisdiction of the police.

In a video message shared on the Force’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Thursday, the IGP made it clear that police officers are not to act as agents for private interests, particularly in land recovery cases.

“Officers have no business escorting parties for land recovery,” Egbetokun stated, emphasizing that the Nigeria Police Force must remain neutral and professional in all its operations.

He warned that any officer found engaging in such activities would face strict disciplinary measures, as such conduct undermines public trust and tarnishes the image of the Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force is not—and will never become—an enforcer for private interests,” he said. “Disrupting legally established occupations or meddling in civil disputes without a clear criminal element is unacceptable.”

Egbetokun stressed that such inappropriate involvement erodes the integrity and neutrality of the police, urging all officers to maintain the highest standards of conduct and professionalism.

He concluded by reiterating that any officer who crosses the line will be held accountable and face appropriate disciplinary action.