Four police operatives seen in a viral video extorting an Abuja resident have been taken into custody, says police spokesperson Josephine Adeh.

Ms Adeh on Wednesday said Babaji Sunday, the Commissioner of Police (CP) in charge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), ordered their immediate arrest and investigation.

The viral extortion video, circulating in the social media, had shown the officers on traffic duty along Area 11, intercepted and extorted money from a man whose identity had not been identified.

Ms Adeh said, “The Police wish to call on anyone who has a way of reaching out to the young man in the video to avail the Command with his contact details or to relay a message of invitation to the Public Relations Office of the Command.”

She said the police commissioner “received the news with grave bewilderment and described the attitude of the officers as a discreditable conduct, an act unbecoming of Police Officers and a total deviation from the core values of uprightness expected of a Police officer.”

“The CP also stated that the act is unacceptable and will not be condoned in the command as hesitation will not be made in the administration of a commensurate disciplinary action,” she said.

The spokesperson pledged the commitment of the command to ensure that FCT residents are served in line with global best practises.

Ms Adeh urged residents to reach the Public Complaints Bureau on 0902 222 2352 to report any unprofessional conduct of Police officers while discharging their duties.

NAN