Relief International Africa and the Civil-Military Police and Paramilitary Relations Initiative commend the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly the Rivers State Command and Zone 16 Command, Bayelsa, for the arrest and public parade of eight corrupt police officers allegedly involved in criminal activities including robbery, stealing, kidnapping, extortion, harassment, and abuse of innocent citizens in Port Harcourt and its environs.
The reported use of Keke Napep (tricycles), mini-buses, and Sienna buses by these officers to perpetrate unlawful acts against members of the public is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. The recovery of over Seven Million Naira allegedly forcefully transferred from victims’ bank accounts into personal accounts of the suspects further exposes the dangerous level of misconduct and criminality that had infiltrated the ranks of those entrusted with public safety.
This decisive action by the Rivers State Police Command and Zone 16 Command sends a strong warning to other officers who still believe they can abuse the privilege of wearing the police uniform to intimidate, extort, or terrorize citizens. It is our belief that this bold step will serve as a deterrent and reinforce the message that no officer is above the law.
We particularly commend the newly appointed Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, for his doggedness, professionalism, and commitment toward repositioning the Nigeria Police Force, restoring discipline within the institution, regaining lost public trust, and strengthening civil-police relations across the country.
The ongoing internal cleansing process within the Force is necessary and must be sustained if the police institution is to regain public confidence and improve accountability, transparency, and professionalism in service delivery. Citizens deserve a police force that protects lives and property, respects human rights, and operates within the confines of the law.
Relief International Africa and the Civil-Military Police and Paramilitary Relations Initiative therefore urge the authorities to ensure diligent prosecution of all officers found culpable, while also intensifying monitoring mechanisms, ethical training, and disciplinary measures across all commands nationwide.
We encourage members of the public to continue supporting genuine police reforms by reporting misconduct, criminal abuse, and unethical behavior by security personnel through appropriate channels. Together, we can build a safer, more accountable, and people-friendly policing system in Nigeria.
Signed:
Amb. Green Isaac, AFP, IRAMP, MSPSP, IAPM
Executive Director, Relief International Africa
Coordinator, Civil-Military Police and Paramilitary Relations Nigeria
