Rid the police of criminals

Corruption within the Nigeria Police Force continues to deepen public distrust and damage the institution’s already battered image. Complaints about extortion, intimidation, and abuse by rogue police officers have become routine.

In a recent move to curb these practices, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu directed Point of Sale operators to stay at least 200 meters from police stations. However, this measure has reportedly failed to deter corrupt officers.

Earlier this month, the Rivers State Police Command dismissed five inspectors for alleged involvement in armed robbery, kidnapping, and extortion. These officers reportedly operated in minibuses, conducting illegal stop-and-search operations and using threats to force victims to transfer money from their bank accounts. They falsely presented themselves as operatives from Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, to intimidate victims.

These incidents echo broader issues within Nigeria's policing. In Niger State, an officer was arrested for a robbery that led to a petrol station attendant's death. In 2024, at least 40 police officers and soldiers were arrested for allegedly selling weapons to suspected terrorists, contributing to the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. Another report alleged police officers in a South-West state extorted money from youth monitors during political party primaries, detaining them despite interrogation by the Commissioner of Police.

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The officers forced victims to disclose their banking pass codes and account details. They forcefully transferred money from their victims’ bank accounts. They also falsely presented themselves as operatives of Zone 16 Headquarters, Yenagoa, to intimidate victims and evade suspicion.