Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has ordered all state police commissioners to treat every case of mob action as homicide as part of a nationwide crackdown on jungle justice.
Disu gave the directive while warning Nigerians against taking the law into their own hands and killing people suspected of committing crimes.
“I have directed all Commissioners of Police across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT to treat every case of mob action as homicide,” Disu said.
The police chief also directed commissioners to conduct full investigations into such incidents and ensure that people involved face prosecution.
Disu said no person or group has the right to arrest, try, convict or execute a suspect outside the law.
He warned that people who take part in mob killings would be held accountable.
The directive covers not only people who physically attack victims but also those who assist or encourage mob violence, according to reports on the police order.
Disu also warned that people who film, celebrate or encourage mob killings should not assume they are protected from prosecution.
The move follows renewed concerns over jungle justice in different parts of Nigeria, where suspected criminals have sometimes been attacked or killed before they can face the courts.
The police said citizens should report suspected criminals to law enforcement agencies instead of taking matters into their own hands.
The Nigeria Police Force has also said its wider policing strategy under Disu is focused on intelligence-led operations, accountability and stronger community engagement.
The IGP's latest order means mob attacks will now receive the same investigative attention as homicide cases, with police expected to identify and prosecute those responsible.
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