The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the conduct of four police officers captured in a viral video allegedly making ethnic remarks and behaving unprofessionally during a stop-and-search operation on the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

The Nigeria Police Force said the officers, comprising one Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and three Inspectors, had been identified, arrested and placed in custody pending an orderly room trial.

Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the IGP had directed the Ondo State Commissioner of Police to carry out a full and transparent investigation to establish the level of involvement of each officer and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are taken.

According to the police, the conduct displayed in the viral footage does not reflect the values and standards of the Nigeria Police Force.

“The conduct shown in the video does not reflect the values of the Nigeria Police Force. Ethnic profiling and disrespect toward any citizen will not be tolerated, and officers who fall short of the Force’s standards of professionalism and respect will be held accountable,” the statement read.

The Force added that it remained committed to fair, ethical policing and rebuilding public confidence through accountability and professionalism.

The disciplinary action follows widespread outrage over a video showing a heated confrontation between the officers and a motorist, reportedly a United Kingdom returnee, during a stop-and-search exercise along the Lagos-Benin Expressway.

In the footage, one of the officers was heard telling the driver that he was “lucky not to be Igbo,” a remark that sparked accusations of ethnic profiling and discrimination.

The motorist also accused the officers of intimidation and attempting to extort him during the encounter.

Earlier, the Ondo State Police Command confirmed that the officers involved had been identified and taken into custody.

Speaking with journalists in Akure, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, identified the officers as ASP Elomore Sodayo, Inspector Adefila Adewale, Inspector Olorunfemi Opeyemi and Inspector Odusola Peter.

The command said the officers would face internal disciplinary proceedings while investigations continue into the incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation on social media.