The Lagos State Police Command has clarified that police officers responding to emergencies are permitted to drive against the normal flow of traffic, provided they exercise due regard for the safety of other road users.

The Command made the clarification while explaining the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing a Rapid Response Squad (RRS) patrol vehicle, marked RRS Attack 07, driving against traffic.

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Wednesday, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, said the officers were responding to distress calls from motorists trapped in a traffic congestion.

He explained that the patrol team, led by an Inspector of Police, had been dispatched by the Command's Control Room to address the obstruction and restore the free flow of traffic.

According to him, the team was the closest available police formation to the location and had to navigate through the opposite lane to reach the source of the congestion.

The Command described the action as an operational decision taken in the interest of public safety and to prevent the traffic obstruction from spreading to adjoining roads and disrupting economic activities.

Citing Regulation 158 of the National Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, the police said officers responding to emergencies or engaged in civil protection could disregard prescribed traffic signs, provided they exercised due consideration for the safety of other road users.

The Command, however, condemned the alleged harassment and obstruction of the officers during the operation.

It expressed concern over the confrontation captured in the video, particularly the actions of individuals who allegedly blocked the road and prevented other motorists from accessing the route.

The police maintained that deliberately obstructing officers performing their lawful duties constituted an offence under Section 98 of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020.

While acknowledging the right of citizens to question police conduct, demand accountability and offer constructive criticism, the Command warned against intimidation, harassment, provocation and deliberate obstruction of officers.

It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting citizens' rights and maintaining public safety while urging residents to cooperate with personnel carrying out legitimate operational responsibilities.