The Kwara State Police Command has ordered a full investigation into claims that some of its officers stationed along the Osi–Eruku highway in the state’s South Senatorial District engaged in extortion.

This was disclosed in a statement on today by the command’s spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in Ilorin, the state capital.

Ejire-Adeyemi said the command is aware of a video circulating on social media showing officers allegedly demanding money from motorists while on duty.

“The Command is aware of a video footage circulating on social media alleging that police officers on duty were involved in an act of extortion along Osi–Eruku road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State,” the statement read.

“CP Adekimi Ojo, the Commissioner of Police, has ordered an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. Officers found guilty will face appropriate disciplinary action. The Command remains committed to upholding professionalism, integrity, and accountability in all its operations.”

According to SaharaReporters, police personnel along the Osi–Eruku highway were reportedly stopping vehicles and demanding money from motorists. Shockingly, the officers were using an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), intended for anti-banditry patrols, for the extortion activities.

In the video, a frustrated motorist expressed concern that the officers had neglected their primary duty of combating kidnappers. He said, “They are assigned to fight kidnappers, but they are here collecting money from motorists. There is no day that the kidnappers do not kill people in this area… yet you are here in the city collecting money from people instead of confronting the terrorists.”

Residents and daily commuters confirmed that informal checkpoints had been set up along the route, where drivers were allegedly asked to pay money before being allowed to proceed. Failure to comply reportedly led to intimidation, prolonged delays, or seizure of vehicle keys.

Local traders and commuters expressed disappointment that officers deployed to ensure their safety were worsening their plight. They urged the Kwara State Police Commissioner and the Inspector-General of Police to intervene immediately and redeploy the officers to areas where banditry remains a significant threat.