“Officers Have No Business Escorting Parties for Land Recovery” — IGP Egbetokun

A video of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, advising against police involvement in land recovery disputes has been widely shared on social media.

In the clip, Egbetokun emphasized that police officers should not act on behalf of private interests, warning that doing so undermines the neutrality of the force. He stated that officers have no role in escorting parties to recover land, interfering with lawful occupation, or getting involved in civil disputes unless a clear criminal offense is involved.

The statement was made in October, shortly before a publicized clash in Abuja between FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and a Naval officer over a disputed parcel of land. Egbetokun stressed that any such police involvement damages the reputation of the Nigerian Police Force and must be avoided.