The Nigeria Police Force has warned citizens to stop provoking officers carrying out their duties after a viral video sparked outrage online.
The video, which surfaced on social media, shows a man confronting an armed policeman at what he claimed was an illegal checkpoint. Though the man’s face was not shown, he was heard arguing with the officer, ignoring repeated warnings to back off.
Reacting to the video on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said such behaviour could lead to dangerous situations and threaten public safety.
“We strongly condemn this act of provocation against officers performing their lawful duty,” Adejobi said. “Such disturbances are unacceptable as they are capable of undermining public safety.”
He urged citizens to respect security personnel and avoid any actions that could obstruct their work, warning that the police would not tolerate any attempt to incite violence or disrupt law enforcement activities.
“We urge citizens to respect security personnel and desist from any actions that obstruct their work,” Adejobi added.
The police spokesman also reminded the public that there are proper channels to report grievances or suspected misconduct by officers instead of direct confrontation that could escalate into violence.
