Nigerians speak out against rising police brutality, violence

Several Nigerians have continued to speak out against rising incidence of police brutality, violence and extra-judicial killings across the country. What used to be spoken about in hushed tones is now being shared openly through interviews, social media, and protests. The message is clear: Nigerians no longer feel safe around the police, the very people they are meant to protect.

Comparing it to the 1990’s when the police are perceived to be support system on security who people could rely on without any fear or lack of trust, the turn of event in current society is such that the public trust in the Nigeria Police Force Is falling.  Routine ‘stop and search’ at checkpoints is believed to have become opportunities for officers to demand bribes.

Reports of unlawful arrests and violent behavior of the police against citizens are becoming common in the society. Many Nigerians have developed the feelings that the police have become a source of fear rather than safety.

Stories from across the country tell of people being stopped without reason, searched without cause, and forced to pay bribes to avoid arrest or harm. Some have faced even worse, broken car windows, false evidence planted against them, gunshots fired, and in extreme cases, arrest without evidence or death, resulting in extra-judicial killing.

Police violence is reported in cities and villages alike, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. While some incident reach the news circle, many others circulate quietly on social media or are shared privately, and many are unreported, while people feel powerless to act.

The damage caused by police brutality has left deep wounds in communities. Many Nigerians no longer trust law enforcement and avoid seeking police help, even when they are victims of crime, because they fear mistreatment.

Calls for police reform has continued, but few officers accused of misconduct face punishment. Corruption within the police system is disturbing. While some believe that better training and oversight can bring change in the force, others feel the system is too broken to fix.

Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has been putting measures in place to curb police brutality and other excesses towards rebuilding public trust and confidence in the Force.

To better understand this crisis, several Nigerians have shared their personal experiences with the police. Their stories reveal the daily challenges of living under a security system that many now fear instead of trust.

Their narratives are presented below, as received during our survey:

Eric:
“Yes, I’ve experienced stop-and-search operations where my luggage was searched for drugs. I felt angry and unsafe during the encounter. My perception of the police changed dramatically when an officer allegedly tried to plant false evidence in my car. I no longer feel secure around them because of their lies and even death threats. The biggest problems within the police force, in my view, are illiteracy, ignorance, and greed.

I follow police-related news regularly. The media often blends truth with misinformation to fit their narrative. From what I’ve witnessed, people generally do not trust the police. They are notorious for wrongful accusations, often made by untrained officers who misuse their federal power. I don’t believe they can be reformed. They might have my trust on paper, but not my respect. There must be a priority on citizen safety, but I’m not sure whether police officers are ever held accountable for their misconduct. Sadly, nothing seems to change, and the Inspector General of Police appears indifferent to necessary reforms.”

Kingsley:
“Yes, I was once stopped at a checkpoint while returning home from work. I presented my ID and explained my destination, but the officers still demanded a ‘settlement’ before letting me go. I felt angry and helpless. I hadn’t done anything wrong, but I was treated like a suspect. Since then, I’ve become deeply distrustful of the police — they feel more like threats than protectors.

I don’t feel safe, especially, when I’m alone or traveling late at night. The core issues are corruption, poor training, lack of accountability, and abuse of power. Most of the information I get comes from social media, especially Facebook and Twitter, though some news outlets also report these incidents. Unfortunately, many traditional media platforms avoid fully covering such stories to stay in favor with authorities.

I have personally witnessed police brutality — a police officer slapped a commercial driver simply for refusing to pay a bribe. It was a disturbing incident that increased fear and mistrust in the community. People are now reluctant to report crimes or seek help, believing justice won’t be served.

Police brutality often involves unnecessary force, illegal detention, harassment, and extortion. I do believe reform is possible, but it will require improved training, body cameras, increased transparency, and an independent body to investigate complaints. Without these, misconduct will continue unchecked. I urge the Inspector General of Police to prioritize true reform and restore public trust.”

Blessing:
“Yes, I had an experience while traveling from Edo State to Lagos. The police stopped our bus at the Lagos-Benin bypass, not to check documents, but because the driver refused to pay a bribe. We were forced to stand under the hot sun while the officers delayed us. I was angry — mostly at the driver, but also at the officers for such unprofessional behavior.

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This experience left me with mixed feelings about the police. While some may try to do the right thing, many remain dishonest. I’ve seen a case where a driver complied with a document check, only for the police to break his car window and fire gunshots as he drove away. Incidents like this make people afraid to engage with the police at all.

Police brutality includes excessive force, racial and physical abuse, and even killings — whether intentional or due to negligence like stray bullets. I don’t think the police can be effectively reformed unless there’s serious oversight. Bribery at checkpoints has sadly become the norm. Officers must be held accountable, and there should be regular inspection and verification of officers’ identities.

The Inspector General of Police should take urgent action. Officers who ask for bribes or are involved in unlawful killings must be investigated and punished. Only then can justice be served and lives protected.”

Mercy:

My brother was coming back from church when the driver got stuck in traffic near Wuse Market junction, opposite Zenith Bank. As the driver was about to move, a police officer suddenly approached and grabbed the steering wheel. The people inside the vehicle started pleading with him to let go. Instead of stopping, the officer left the steering wheel, walked around the vehicle, and without any reason, spat on my brother, who was sitting by the window.

My brother got out of the car to ask what he had done wrong. The officer, who was carrying a stick, immediately started hitting him. His colleagues told him to stop, but no one intervened to stop or restrain him. Shockingly, they even told my brother to run, despite him having recently been in an accident and unable to walk fast.

The officer smelled strongly of alcohol and clearly was not in a clear state of mind. What would have happened if he had been armed? Would we be reporting another death caused by police violence in just a few days? I feel helpless, angry, and deeply saddened. How is it possible that someone can go to church and come back injured or worse, in a body bag, simply because we are Nigerians?​