IGP Egbetokun reacts to the Wike–Lt. Yerima clash, says officers have “no business escorting parties for land recovery.”

 IGP Egbetokun reacts to the Wike–Lt. Yerima clash, says officers have “no business escorting parties for land recovery.”

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a clear directive to all personnel, warning that law enforcement officers by must not be used as instruments in private land recovery operations.  

In a public address, the IGP stated: “You have no business escorting parties for land recovery, disrupting legally existing occupations or meddling in civil claims without a demonstrable criminal element.”  

Highlighting the risk to the police force’s reputation and neutrality, he emphasised that such involvement erodes public trust and opens the institution to disrepute.  

The announcement comes amid an ongoing dispute over alleged involvement of security forces in civilian land conflicts, particularly the high-profile clash involving Nyesom Wike and a naval officer in Gaduwa, Abuja.  

This directive could shift how land-related enforcement operations are handled across the country, reinforcing the line between criminal investigations and civil property claims.