Acting inspector general of police Kayode Egbetokun has warned on Tuesday that severe sanctions await police officers extorting and harassing drivers.

“Alleged incidences of extortion, intimidation, and harassment of commuters on highways are being looked into and the force is resolute in addressing these issues promptly and decisively.

“In response to the reports and series of complaints received on police platforms, the police leadership have directed all supervising officers to undertake stringent supervision of their subordinates in the field. The idea is primarily to curb and eradicate the unprofessional conduct of erring officers,’’ Mr Egbetokun said.

The statement said the police hierarchy directed the monitoring unit and other disciplinary units to intensify efforts in identifying and apprehending officers engaged in acts of misconduct, warning that officers found guilty extorting or harassing motorists would face severe disciplinary measures to deter future occurrences.

Mr Egbetokun said supervisory officers who failed to fulfil their duty of oversight would also face be sanctioned.

The police chief said it was imperative for supervising officers to take proactive measures to prevent any form of misconduct and to take immediate action to rectify any misconduct.

Mr Egbetokun issued the warning following a series of complaints relating to officers’ unprofessional conduct, recently addressed by the National Assembly, noted the statement.

Mr Egbetokun expressed displeasure at the misconduct of some officers on highways, stressing that their conduct has tarnished the police’s reputation.

(NAN)