By Samuel Ike, Abuja

The Director of Legal Services (DLS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) National Headquarters, Abuja, Mr Aminu Kayode Alilu, Esq., has urged officers and personnel of the Lagos State Command to uphold professionalism and strictly comply with the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and other established operational procedures.

The charge was delivered during a lecture held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the Lagos State Command Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, where the Director reiterated the directive of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, PhD, mni, OFR, that strict compliance with the ACJA remains mandatory for all officers of the Corps.

Addressing management staff, Area Commanders, Divisional Officers and Tactical Commanders, Alilu explained that the Commandant General’s directives are designed to standardise operational procedures in line with ongoing criminal justice reforms in the country. He noted that the reforms place significant emphasis on the protection of human rights, inter-agency collaboration and transparency in legal processes.

The Director of Legal Services extensively examined key enforcement requirements under the Commandant General’s directives, including the legal framework governing warrantless arrests. Citing Section 36 of the ACJA, he stressed that officers must possess a thorough understanding of the legal conditions that justify exceptions to the requirement for arrest warrants.

He also highlighted the importance of mandatory documentation in all enforcement operations. According to him, the Commandant General has directed strict compliance with arrest documentation procedures, requiring officers to accurately record the reasons for arrests, the circumstances surrounding such arrests and all immediate actions taken after suspects are taken into custody.

Alilu emphasised that proper documentation not only strengthens prosecution but also safeguards the rights of suspects and enhances public confidence in the Corps’ operations.

Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commandant, Mr Adedotun Keshinro, fnarc, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to due process and adherence to prosecutorial procedures. He noted that compliance with legal standards has contributed significantly to the command’s success in securing favourable judgments in several cases before the courts.

Keshinro further stated that the Lagos State Command has continued to reinforce strict observance of civil liberties, ensure prompt arraignment of suspects and maintain standardised investigative procedures aimed at achieving successful prosecution and justice delivery.

He commended the Commandant General for prioritising legal education and capacity building for personnel, describing the lecture as timely and beneficial to the operational effectiveness of the Corps.

Also present at the lecture was Mrs Auwal Gambari of the Legal Unit, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, alongside senior officers of the Corps who participated actively and expressed appreciation for the valuable legal insights shared during the session.