The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has clarified that the tracking of lost items by any police division is free of charge.
Adejobi made this statement while addressing concerns raised by users on X (formerly Twitter).
A Nigerian user had shared his experience, stating that he lost his phone two years ago in Ibadan, Ogun State, and sought assistance from the police. According to him, the officers demanded ₦60,000 to track and retrieve the device, an amount he could not afford.
Reacting to the claim, Adejobi emphasized that such services are free. “The police headquarters has a department that helps in tracking lost items, and their services are free,” he stated.
He, however, acknowledged the heavy workload of the department, urging Nigerians to exercise patience. “Nigerians would only have to be patient with the department as their workload is usually heavy,” Adejobi explained.
The spokesperson also addressed similar complaints from other users who alleged they had paid money to recover their items. He reiterated the police’s stance that such services should not involve any fees.
The statement underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring that citizens are not extorted while seeking assistance in recovering lost items. Citizens are encouraged to report any instances of illegal charges for such services to the appropriate authorities.