In this report, DAYO OYEWOreviews the law enforcement activities of the Nigerian Police Force following 65 years of the country's independence.
On Wednesday, Nigeria celebrated 65 years of independence, bringing attention once more to the performance of the nation's institutions during more than six decades of self-rule. One such institution is the Nigeria Police Force, which plays a key role in the country's efforts to combat insecurity. Throughout the years, the Nigerian Police Force has undergone various changes and adjustments in its approach to crime prevention, influenced by its surroundings, challenges, and the need to survive.
After gaining independence, the military units from the Northern and Southern regions were combined into one national organization, resulting in the creation of a unified Nigerian Police Force. During the First Republic, there were attempts at regional policing before reverting to a national system. The Force then took on not only crime prevention duties but also internal security and paramilitary roles.
It also transitioned from being an institution for colonial rulers to one focused on maintaining law and order through crime prevention. This change generated significant hopes for a force that would protect the citizens and promote democratic principles. As the country's population grew from 45 million at independence to more than 200 million over the past few decades, along with the socio-economic conditions that defined various republics, the Nigeria Police Force has had to deal with changing patterns of criminal activity.
The current criminal environment in Nigeria has become highly intricate, with crimes not only increasing in number but also becoming more advanced. In addition to the long-standing issues of armed robbery, the nation now faces a rising wave of terrorism, banditry, kidnap for ransom, cybercrime, and international organized crime. Although the police have also adopted advanced strategies to deal with these emerging issues, experts believe that the threats frequently exceed the capabilities of the security agencies.
The nature of criminal activity has changed over time. During the 1970s and 1980s, following the political unrest of the late 60s, the nation experienced a rise in violent armed robberies, mainly in the Southern region. During this period, law enforcement managed to capture infamous armed robbers like Ishola Oyenusi and Lawrence Anini, who were well-known figures.
By the end of the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the Niger Delta emerged as a center for militant activity, as various groups took up arms to express their discontent over what they saw as neglect and an unfair sharing of oil revenues. Their protests led to abductions for ransom and assaults on government facilities. In reaction, the Force contributed to keeping stability in the Niger Delta.
The late 2000s introduced a new layer of instability with Boko Haram militants instilling fear in the North-East. This was followed by frequent conflicts between farmers and herders. Among the achievements of the Force were the 2012 arrest of one of Nigeria's most infamous terrorists, Kabiru Sokoto. There was also the capture of a well-known abductor, Chukwudi Onuamadike, commonly referred to as Evans. These issues continued to challenge the police force. Consequently, the police regularly adjust their operational approaches.
Certain approaches involve the creation of specialized units like the Mobile Police, the Special Anti-Robbery Unit, and Counter-Terrorism Teams. Currently, the nature of threats has increased, including cybercrime, banditry, and a fresh surge in abductions, forcing the Nigeria Police Force to restructure its methods.
Public perception
Despite continuously evolving to tackle new criminal activities, members of the Nigeria Police Force have struggled with addressing the image of corruption and building public confidence. The most frequently discussed instances of corruption involve regular bribery at roadblocks and violations of human rights. Experts claim that corruption within the police force presents a serious threat when those assigned to combat crime end up committing it themselves.
Similarly to the progression seen in operational development, the method of extortion has been noted to have changed from demanding cash at checkposts to coercing victims into withdrawing money from Automated Teller Machines and Point-of-Sale devices. This leaves residents in a condition where they are afraid of those who are supposed to safeguard them.
Significantly, claims of authoritarian behavior and police violence by the previously dissolved Special Anti-Robbery Squad led to the #EndSARS movement. Cases of abuse have also been associated with extortion for bribes or as a response when people refuse to comply with demands for favors. On October 4, 2020, a disturbing video emerged online depicting SARS officers pulling two young men from a hotel and shooting one in the street. The clip spread rapidly, causing widespread anger in Nigeria and rekindling deep-seated frustrations toward the infamous police unit.
Soon after, the frustration erupted into the streets. Young Nigerians, organized mainly via social media, held protests in big cities using the hashtag #EndSARS. Later, the police faced increased pressure, and on October 11, 2020, they declared that SARS had been officially dissolved.
Inadequate resources
Law enforcement personnel frequently express concerns about inadequate living conditions, including low wages, poor housing, and unfavorable working environments. This economic pressure not only deters a commitment to professional standards but also increases the likelihood of pursuing unlawful benefits from citizens. Some believe that without sufficient attention to welfare, the pattern of corruption and inefficiency will continue unabated.
In June, several retired police officers expressed dissatisfaction with the low and unfair pensions and gratuities they receive under the Nigeria Police Force Contributory Pension Scheme. They also criticized the difference in retirement benefits compared to those in the military, accusing the government of neglect.
Voicing their dissatisfaction, the officers stated that after 35 years of dedication to the nation, their overall benefits totaled just N2m.
In a widely shared video, a man who stated he retired on October 1, 2023, mentioned that he was contacted two weeks prior, almost nine months after his retirement, and informed that he was entitled to N2m as gratuity and N1m as pension arrears. This incident sparked public outrage over the insufficient pension benefits for retired police officers. Many highlighted that the demonstration by retired officers reflects the challenges experienced by active officers who struggle to voice their concerns while still employed. Security analysts also highlight the weak staffing levels, both in terms of quality and numbers. They further mention issues such as poor record management, insufficient data analysis, and the absence of systematic crime statistics, which hinder intelligence-based policing. Additionally, they note that limited training opportunities for officers and inefficient deployment strategies have diminished operational effectiveness.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement on Wednesday to mark the Independence Day anniversary, said that Nigeria is experiencing a significant shift in the philosophy and approach to policing.
As he explained, the NPF has moved from a reactive approach—where action is taken after crimes happen—to a proactive framework based on prediction, prevention, and community-focused support.
He stated, "This transformation has been particularly evident in communities throughout all 36 states and the FCT, where enhanced patrol activities, community engagement, and swift response systems have rekindled trust in the police force. International observers also now highlight Nigeria as a model of how extensive police organizations in developing democracies can rejuvenate themselves through strategic planning and strong leadership. Nigeria is no longer addressing past issues; it is foreseeing future challenges and confronting them with foresight."
He mentioned that the Nigeria Police, led by Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has shown an increased level of activity and determination, leading to notable achievements in combating criminal groups.
He stated that, within two months, a total of 4,383 individuals were detained across the country—spanning cases of armed robbery (481), kidnapping (260), murder (371), and sexual assault (322), as well as involvement in cult activities (375) and illegal firearm possession (161).
Alongside these arrests, 1,138 individuals who had been kidnapped were freed and returned to their families. The confiscation of 716 guns, more than 21,000 bullets, and 212 stolen cars disrupted criminal supply networks in several states.
these well-known tales resonate in zamfara, katsina, and niger, where individuals who were saved from kidnappers turned into living examples of improved law enforcement effectiveness.
In Lagos and Rivers, strong actions against cult groups brought back peace to previously unstable areas. In the North East, police special units collaborated with the military to weaken terrorist groups, while in the South West, joint intelligence efforts broke up cross-border robbery rings. Altogether, these successes demonstrate that the NPF is not just dealing with crime but shifting the balance in favor of the law. Each arrest, each rescue, each recovered weapon is more than a number — it is a declaration that the law will always prevail over chaos.
Effecting reforms
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, stated that the Nigeria Police Force, although crucial to internal security since independence, has repeatedly failed in combating crime and maintaining public confidence. He noted that although the Police once had some level of respect during its early years, subsequent military governments transformed the Force, undermined its professionalism, and fostered corruption and misconduct.
Nwanguma stated, "Since gaining independence, the Nigeria Police Force has been crucial for internal security, yet it has faced challenges in meeting expectations when it comes to combating crime. Although it once had some level of respect in its initial years, successive military governments transformed the force into a more militarized entity, undermined professionalism, and fostered corruption and misconduct. As criminal activities shifted from armed robbery and political violence to terrorism, kidnaping, and cybercrime, the police have largely failed to adjust, hindered by obsolete techniques, insufficient technology, subpar training, and weak forensic and intelligence capacities."
Reform initiatives have been common but largely superficial, typically initiated during emergencies and seldom carried out completely.
Reports and panels from the 1970s up to the post-military period and the post-SARS era have highlighted ongoing problems including inadequate welfare, corruption, absence of accountability, and weak ties with the community. The Police Act 2020 presents a positive structure for modernization, better welfare, and community-oriented policing, but without political commitment, financial support, and independent monitoring, it may end up like earlier failed reforms.
He also mentioned that in order to address current and upcoming challenges, reforms should move past mere words and bring about genuine transformation. As per his view, this transformation involves making the process of hiring and advancing personnel more professional, enhancing benefits to minimize corruption, utilizing technology and data-based approaches, and shifting the force towards community-oriented policing.
Equally significant is tackling the underlying reasons for crime and instability—like poverty, joblessness, inequality, political intimidation, and ineffective judicial systems—that contribute to criminal behavior and violence. Most importantly, restoring public confidence involves accountability, justice for past abuses, and real collaboration with local communities. Only in this way can the police efficiently combat crime and genuinely function as a community-focused organization within a democratic framework," he added.
Security expert Akin Adeyi argued that there is ideal law enforcement globally, stating that the Nigerian police is no different. He also raised concerns about the well-being of the officers, which he believes impacts their ability to combat crime.
The police force in Nigeria is not adequately supported. Their well-being is nearly nonexistent. I watched a video, but it wasn't the police's intention to display their station. They only aimed to show a specific pastor involved in criminal activities and who had been arrested, but they ended up capturing the police station instead. When I saw the police station, I felt sad. That's just for the station—what about their barracks and overall welfare? It's practically nonexistent. They have much work to do in this regard. That's why many people who join the force do so not out of passion for the job, but because they have no other options or alternatives.
"The police require a departure and separation from their historical origins. If you understand the history of how the police were established, you will realize that the colonial rulers caused us significant harm. They recruited individuals who had been rejected by our society to create our police force. This is why an average officer tends to be aggressive in demeanor. Until there is a break from this past, the police will continue to undergo transformation," he added.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
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