The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, has warned police officers against indiscriminately searching the mobile phones of National Youth Service Corps members while trying to check for possible involvement in internet fraud.
Adekimi gave the warning during a working visit to corps members participating in the 2026 Batch ‘B’ Stream II Orientation Course in Kwara State, where he also assured them of adequate security throughout their service year.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Commissioner was received at the NYSC Orientation Camp by the state Coordinator, Musa Kafarda.
Addressing the corps members, Adekimi said the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, would continue to take measures to protect them wherever they were deployed in the state.
“Embrace your new environment with confidence,” the CP told the corps members.
He also urged them to see themselves as agents of positive change and contribute meaningfully to their host communities during their service year.
However, one of his major messages was directed at police personnel themselves.
Adekimi stressed that corps members should not have their phones searched indiscriminately by police officers on the road merely on the suspicion that they might be involved in internet fraud.
“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,” he said.
The warning comes amid concerns that young Nigerians are sometimes subjected to phone checks during encounters with security personnel, particularly when officers suspect them of cybercrime.
The Commissioner therefore reminded corps members that they were entitled to dignity and respect when dealing with police personnel.
He also encouraged any corps member who experiences inappropriate conduct by a police officer or has a security concern to report through the command’s dedicated channels or approach the nearest police formation.
Beyond their interaction with security agencies, Adekimi urged the corps members to conduct themselves responsibly throughout their service year.
He advised them to use social media responsibly and avoid digital thuggery or other activities capable of threatening peace and public order.
“You are leaders of today and possess enormous potential to contribute positively to national development,” he said.
The Commissioner further encouraged the corps members to see the police as partners in their safety and to provide credible information that could help security agencies protect them and their host communities.
He also commended the camp commandant and other security personnel for maintaining a safe and conducive environment for the corps members.
Adekimi wished the corps members a productive orientation exercise and a rewarding service year, urging them to leave positive footprints in the communities where they would eventually be posted across Kwara State.
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