The Lagos State police command has defended officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) seen driving against traffic in a viral video, saying they were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic jam.

The command, in a statement on Wednesday, said the officers, operating in a patrol vehicle marked “RRS Attack 07”, were deployed by its Control Room to address the traffic obstruction and restore the free flow of vehicles.

The police explained that the patrol team, led by an inspector of police, was the closest available formation to the location and had to use the opposite lane to reach the source of the congestion.

According to the command, the officers’ action was necessary to prevent the traffic situation from spreading to adjoining roads, disrupting economic activities and obstructing access for emergency services.

“This is in line with the regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which permits officers of the law driving a vehicle under an emergency situation or while engaged in civil protection to disregard the directions of a prescribed road traffic sign, subject to the requirement to exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.”

The police, however, condemned the confrontation between the officers and some individuals captured in the video, accusing the individuals of harassing and deliberately obstructing the team while carrying out its assignment.

The command also criticised the alleged blocking of the road, saying it denied other motorists access and infringed on their rights.

It added that obstructing police officers performing their lawful duties could constitute an offence under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

While acknowledging citizens’ right to question police conduct and demand accountability, the command said it would not tolerate intimidation, harassment or obstruction of officers carrying out lawful assignments.

The police assured residents that the command remained open to genuine complaints and constructive criticism but urged members of the public to express their concerns responsibly and within the law.