The Lagos State Police Command has spoken out in support of a Rapid Response Squad patrol team filmed driving against the flow of traffic, explaining that the personnel were rushing to assist motorists trapped in heavy gridlock.
The Command said the patrol vehicle, identified as RRS Attack 07, was deployed by its Control Room to clear the obstruction and restore the free flow of traffic.
In a statement on Wednesday, the police explained that the team, led by an Inspector of Police, was the closest available formation to the location and had to navigate through the opposite lane to reach the source of the obstruction.
It maintained that police vehicles could lawfully move against the normal direction of traffic under emergency and operational circumstances, including responses to distress calls, pursuit of criminal suspects and urgent security operations.
The Command cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits law enforcement officers responding to emergencies or engaged in civil protection duties to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
It said the officers’ action was a deliberate operational decision taken in the interest of public safety and was not an arbitrary disregard for traffic regulations.
The police warned that unmanaged traffic congestion in Lagos could spread to adjoining roads, disrupt economic activities and obstruct access for emergency services.
However, the Command condemned what it described as the confrontation, harassment and deliberate obstruction of the officers while carrying out their assignment.
It also accused some individuals captured in the video of deliberately blocking the road and denying other motorists access.
The police said such conduct could amount to obstruction of officers performing their lawful duties under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.
While acknowledging citizens’ rights to demand accountability and criticise police conduct, the Command said it would not tolerate intimidation, harassment, provocation or obstruction of officers carrying out lawful operations.
It urged residents to express grievances responsibly and within the law, assuring that it remained open to genuine complaints and legitimate public scrutiny.
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while ensuring that police personnel receive the cooperation required to discharge their duties.
What You Should Know
The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that police vehicles are legally permitted to drive against traffic during emergency situations such as distress calls and urgent security operations, citing the National Road Traffic Regulations. While defending the officers, the police also strongly condemned the harassment and deliberate obstruction faced by the team from citizens at the scene.
- Positive Impact: Allows law enforcement and emergency services to reach accident scenes and distress calls faster during heavy traffic gridlock.
- Potential Concerns: Creates friction and safety risks between road users and security operatives, sometimes leading to dangerous confrontations on major roads.
