The Ogun State Branch of the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) has sought stronger collaboration with the Ogun State Police Command to tackle the growing menace of land-grabbing activities in the state. This move is aimed at addressing the daily struggles faced by surveyors in their profession, particularly incidents where surveyors are wrongfully arrested while lawfully carrying out their duties on disputed lands.
During a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of Police, CP Lanre Ogunlowo PhD, on February 5, 2025, the NIS delegation highlighted several key issues that require police intervention. These include wrongful arrests of surveyors alongside land-grabbing factions, misconstruction of surveyors’ roles as land sellers, and exposure to threats, harassment, and violence from touts and criminal elements during site inspections.
The surveyors emphasized the urgent need for public enlightenment on their role in land matters, advocating for wider professional engagement to reduce reliance on untrained individuals who escalate land disputes into violent conflicts. They maintained that they are specialized experts in land planning, demarcation, and delineation, rather than granting titles or ownership.
In response, CP Lanre Ogunlowo acknowledged the widespread menace of land grabbing and assured the NIS delegation of the Command’s commitment to protecting lawful surveyors. However, he also advised surveyors to refrain from colluding with notorious land grabbers or falsifying survey plans to favor any disputing party.
Ogunlowo emphasized that such actions amount to forgery, a punishable offense under Nigerian criminal laws. He also urged surveyors to ensure strict professional ethics, as the police will only support registered, law-abiding surveyors.
The Commissioner of Police reminded surveyors that land disputes are largely civil matters, and unless criminal elements, such as violence or use of dangerous weapons, are introduced, the rightful place to resolve disputes remains the court of law.
The Ogun State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring law, order, and justice in all land-related matters. The Command urges the public to seek legal channels in resolving disputes, rather than resorting to violence or illegal activities.
CSP Omolola Odutola, Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the police will continue to support genuine professionals while taking decisive action against illegal actors involved in land disputes.
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) is the umbrella professional organization for all surveyors in Nigeria, whether in private practice, government, or academia. The organization has been advocating for the protection of its members and the promotion of professional ethics in the surveying profession.
The collaboration between the Ogun State Police Command and the NIS is expected to yield positive results in addressing the challenges posed by land-grabbing activities in the state.
