Nigeria Police Ban Phone Searches on Roads — IG Issues Stern Warning

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a strict directive banning arbitrary phone searches of road users by police officers, declaring that going forward such actions will no longer be tolerated.

IG’s Directive and Rationale

In a police operations memo referenced as “Order and Directives: Arbitrary Arrest and Detention,” dated December 13, 2024, the IGP ordered that “unnecessary arrest and detention, collecting of phones, checking of phones at checkpoints … should stop.”

Egbetokun warned that police personnel caught engaging in these prohibited acts will face disciplinary sanctions. Commanding officers and their supervisors will also be held accountable if such abuses occur under their watch.

The directive emphasized that past incidents of phone searches, detentions, and arbitrary arrests have harmed the Nigeria Police Force’s public image and fueled distrust among citizens.

Scope & Enforcement

The ban covers all police officers at checkpoints and during routine patrols across Nigeria. It applies to checking or confiscation of phones, laptops, and other smart devices without proper justification.

The IGP ordered the deployment of monitoring units to ensure compliance with the directive. He stated that any officer found violating the order will be prosecuted, and disciplinary action may extend to senior officers, including Commissioners of Police.

Historical Context & Previous Incidents

This ban is not the first attempt to curb phone searches by police. In October 2020, the Nigeria Police Force had already prohibited indiscriminate searches of mobile devices, laptops, and other smart gadgets by police tactical squads. That earlier directive was meant to prevent misuse of authority by frontline officers.

One publicized case underscores the significance of these measures. In August 2022, a police officer was caught searching a commuter’s phone at a roadside checkpoint. The incident led to the officer’s dismissal for gross misconduct and insubordination, in line with the earlier prohibition on such searches.

Implications & Public Expectations

Analysts see the IGP’s new directive as a necessary step to restore trust between law enforcement and the public. Preventing arbitrary searches strengthens civil liberties and combats harassment by officers who exploit their position.

For everyday citizens, the ban means they should no longer be obliged to surrender their phones during traffic stops or random checkpoints unless a valid search warrant or clear legal justification is presented.

However, success will depend on strict enforcement, internal discipline within the force, and mechanisms for citizens to report violations without fear of reprisals.