Police empowered to break doors of uncooperative suspects in arrests – Force Deputy PRO

The Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Victor Isuku, has stated that police officers have the legal authority to break doors, enter through ceilings, or scale fences when effecting the arrest of uncooperative suspects.

Speaking during a public engagement at the premiere of Greatest Oath (The Rescue), a film produced by Ocean Portal in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, on Sunday in Benin, Edo State, Isuku warned against obstructing law enforcement officers.

“Don’t hinder the police from arresting a suspect, otherwise you will also be arrested,” he cautioned.

On the issue of phone searches, Isuku stressed that officers are only permitted to access mobile devices when there is reasonable suspicion of cybercrime.

“The police will not just stop you on the road and begin to search your phone. It is unethical, and the Inspector-General frowns at such practices,” he explained, while also reminding Nigerians that bail is free. He advised citizens to carefully read bail forms before signing and urged the public to avoid giving money to officers under any guise, but instead support the police with basic logistics where possible.

Isuku also acknowledged that inadequate funding remains a major challenge facing the force.

The premiere’s producer, Dickson Oviase, explained that the movie was inspired by the #EndSARS protest, which disrupted policing activities and resulted in widespread destruction across many states. He said the project aims to rebuild trust and highlight the importance of police presence in maintaining order.

“The movie is birthed from the outcry of the #EndSARS saga. For once, the vacuum of the absence of police in our society stared us in the face. Truth be told, there’s a need to show love to the police and vice versa, because it would be chaotic if the police embarked on an indefinite strike,” Oviase said.

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Also speaking, the Zone Five Public Relations Officer, Tijani Momoh, noted that the collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and Ocean Portal would further raise awareness about the dedication of officers to public safety. He disclosed that the police also provided logistics and equipment for the film’s production.