Lagos Police Defend RRS Patrol Vehicle Driving Against Traffic, Cite Emergency Response

The Lagos State Police Command has defended a Rapid Response Squad patrol team seen driving against the direction of traffic in a viral video, saying the officers were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic congestion.

The Command said the patrol vehicle, identified as ‘RRS Attack 07’, was deployed by its Control Room after receiving calls from people caught in the gridlock, requesting police intervention to clear the obstruction and restore traffic flow.

In a statement, the police said the team, led by an Inspector, was the closest available formation to the location and had to use the opposite lane to reach the point where the obstruction originated.

The Command explained that police vehicles could move against the normal direction of traffic under legally recognised emergency and operational circumstances, including responses to distress calls, pursuit of criminal suspects and urgent security operations.

It said the decision was taken to address the congestion and prevent it from spreading to adjoining roads, disrupting economic activities or obstructing access for emergency services.

The police cited Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which allows law enforcement officers responding to emergencies or engaged in civil protection duties to disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.

However, the Command condemned the alleged harassment, confrontation and obstruction of the officers while they carried out the assignment.

It said the video showed individuals deliberately blocking the road and preventing other motorists from passing, describing the action as an infringement on the rights of other road users.

The police also cited Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, which addresses the obstruction of police officers in the lawful discharge of their duties.

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

It added that it remained open to genuine complaints and constructive criticism but urged members of the public to express their concerns within the confines of the law.