Kwara State Commissioner of Police Adekimi Ojo has told officers in the command that misconduct and abuse of office will no longer be tolerated, signalling a crackdown on indiscipline within the force.
Ojo made the declaration while addressing personnel at the police headquarters in Ilorin, the state capital. He said the days when officers could act with impunity were over and that anyone caught breaking the rules would face the full weight of the law.
The police chief did not detail specific cases of misconduct but his warning came amid growing complaints from residents about police behaviour in the state. He emphasised that the force exists to serve the public, not to intimidate or exploit them.
Ojo said officers who engage in corruption, extortion, or abuse of power would be investigated and prosecuted without favour. He called on all personnel to uphold the values of professionalism and integrity that should define the police service.
The commissioner also urged residents to report any officer found engaging in misconduct to the command's internal affairs unit. He promised that all complaints would be treated seriously and investigated thoroughly.
This warning reflects a broader push within the Nigeria Police Force to restore public confidence in the institution. Several state commands have in recent months initiated similar measures to weed out bad eggs and restore discipline within their ranks.
Ojo said the command would commence a comprehensive review of all cases of alleged police brutality and misconduct within the past two years. Officers found culpable in those cases would face prosecution, he added.
The commissioner's tough stance signals a change in approach by the Kwara command, which had previously faced criticism for slow action on complaints against officers. Whether the warning translates into real action will depend on how vigorously the command pursues cases against officers in the coming weeks.
