The Lagos State Commissioner of Police (CP), Fatai Tijani, has vowed to deal with any operative or team found culpable of extorting the populace.
He also warned against impunity and other unprofessional conducts capable of bringing the command to disrepute.
The police boss gave the warning his madien lecture of field and unit commanders at the Officers Mess, Ikeja, on Friday.
According to Fatai, the era of delaying matters that ought to be charged to court in order to extort parties under the guise of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) are over, warning that he would deal decisively with anyone caught.
The CP urged Lagos residents to speak out whenever their rights are infringed upon, assuring that the matter would be investigated and punishments meted to deserving parties.
He advised operatives of the command to serve the public with humility and integrity, stressing that it would help build trust and regain confidence in the police.
The commissioner stressed that modern policing must prioritise service to the public rather than authority over citizens, adding that the era of officers lording over the people was over.
He charged his officers to remain approachable, respectful, and professional, in line with global best policing practices.
Fatai also vowed to go after cultists and other criminal remnants hibernating in parts of the state, saying that their locations were already known and they will feel the heat.
“We know where the cultists are in Agege, Mushin. We will take the heat to them and get them off our streets. Our policing will be visible and proactive across communities. There must be increased patrols and strategic deployments to serve as deterrence to would-be criminals,” he said.
CP Fatai revealed plans to reactivate convoy patrols across area commands in the state, appreciating the government for the provision of vehicles.
These patrols, he added, would also target emerging threats like land grabbing, a growing concern in Lagos.
Reaffirming his leadership stance, the CP said officers would be held to higher standards of professionalism, dedication, and accountability.
He pledged to ensure that policing in Lagos reflect discipline, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law.