The Lagos State Police Command has explained that police officers responding to emergencies are permitted to drive against the normal flow of traffic, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.
The command gave the clarification following a viral video showing a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicle, marked ‘RRS Attack 07’, driving against traffic.
In a statement posted on its X handle on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, said the officers were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic congestion and had been directed by the command’s Control Room to clear the obstruction.
According to the police, the patrol team, led by an Inspector, was the closest available unit to the location and had to use the opposite lane to reach the source of the congestion.
The command said the action was necessary to prevent the traffic situation from spreading to adjoining roads and disrupting economic activities.
Citing Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, the police said officers responding to emergencies or engaged in civil protection could disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they considered the safety of other road users.
The command, however, condemned the alleged harassment and obstruction of the officers during the operation, saying individuals captured in the video deliberately blocked the road and denied other motorists access.
It also cited Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which it said makes obstructing officers performing their lawful duties an offence.
While acknowledging citizens’ right to question police conduct and demand accountability, the command urged the public to avoid intimidation, harassment and deliberate obstruction of officers.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to protecting citizens’ rights while carrying out their lawful responsibilities.
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