The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has cautioned police officers against conducting indiscriminate searches of National Youth Service Corps members’ mobile phones while attempting to identify suspected internet fraudsters.
According to The Punch, Adekimi issued the warning on Wednesday during a visit to the NYSC Orientation Camp in Kwara State, where 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II corps members are undergoing their orientation exercise.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, disclosed this in a statement issued in Ilorin.
During the visit, the NYSC State Coordinator, Musa Kafarda, received the police commissioner and praised his commitment to the security and welfare of corps members serving in the state.
Speaking to the corps members, Adekimi assured them that the police, alongside other security agencies, would continue to provide adequate protection throughout their service year.
“Embrace your new environment with confidence,” the CP said.
“The Police, in collaboration with other security stakeholders, will continue to take all necessary measures to ensure your safety wherever you are deployed within Kwara State.”
The commissioner urged the corps members to regard their service year as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to their host communities and support national development.
He also advised them to exercise caution in their use of social media and avoid digital thuggery and other actions that could threaten peace and public order.
“You are leaders of today and possess enormous potential to contribute positively to national development.
“Make your service year meaningful, contribute positively to your host communities, use social media responsibly and stay away from digital thuggery and every other activity capable of undermining peace,” Adekimi advised.
Reaffirming the rights of corps members to respectful treatment by security personnel, the police boss specifically warned officers against searching their phones without proper justification.
“No police officer should indiscriminately search through the mobile phones of corps members on the road under the guise of checking whether they are involved in internet fraud,” Adekimi said.
He urged corps members who experience misconduct by police officers or encounter security challenges to report through the command’s designated channels or visit the nearest police formation.
“Do not hesitate to report any security concern or inappropriate conduct through the Command’s dedicated channels or approach the nearest Police formation for prompt assistance,” the CP said.
Adekimi further encouraged the corps members to view the police as partners during their service year and to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in protecting them and their host communities.
He commended the camp commandant and other security personnel for maintaining a safe environment at the orientation camp.
The commissioner wished the corps members a successful orientation exercise and a rewarding service year, urging them to make a positive impact in the communities where they would be posted.
