Police Introduce ‘Dialogue First’ Policy, To Be Reviewed After Suspect Runs

The Nigeria Police Force has announced a new “Dialogue First” policy aimed at improving relations between officers and members of the public, particularly those who appear to be running away for reasons that may or may not involve guilt.

Under the new policy, officers are expected to calmly engage suspects before taking action, asking important questions such as, “Why are you running?”, “Where are you going?”, and “Can we discuss this like responsible citizens?”

However, police authorities clarified that the policy remains flexible.

“If the suspect cooperates, we will dialogue,” a senior officer explained during a press briefing. “But if the suspect suddenly begins to run, jump a fence, enter a keke, disappear into a market, or develop Olympic-level speed, then we may have to review the dialogue arrangement.”

The officer added that the review process could be immediate, depending on how far the suspect has gone.

According to the newly released guidelines, officers are encouraged to first introduce themselves politely, provided the suspect has not already started shouting, “I have done nothing!” while sprinting toward the nearest drainage channel.

Citizens have welcomed the announcement with cautious excitement. Some said it was encouraging to hear that dialogue now has an official place in policing, even if it is positioned somewhere between “Stop there!” and “Oga, wait first!”

A Lagos resident said the policy could reduce tension during roadside encounters.

“At least now, before anything happens, they will ask you where you are coming from,” he said. “Of course, you must answer quickly, clearly, and without looking like somebody who has somewhere important to be.”

Meanwhile, legal experts have advised officers to define what exactly counts as “running.” They noted that Nigerians often move quickly for many legitimate reasons, including missing buses, avoiding rain, escaping fuel queues, or simply seeing someone they owe money.

At press time, police officials confirmed that the policy would be fully evaluated after the first suspect successfully escapes during the dialogue.