The Nigeria Police Force has come down heavily on officers caught on tape engaging in a disgraceful act that has sparked public outrage—a viral video surfaced online showing some uniformed men shamelessly accepting a ₦5,000 bribe from a Chinese national along a Nigerian highway.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Police hierarchy denounced the officers' conduct as unethical, unprofessional, and a direct assault on the core values and principles that guide the Force. “This behavior is a betrayal of the trust reposed in the Police by the Nigerian people. It is unacceptable, and the Force will not condone such gross misconduct,” the statement emphasized.
The statement further revealed that the officers involved in the incident have been positively identified and are already undergoing internal disciplinary procedures. According to ACP Adejobi, this is part of a renewed push by the Inspector-General of Police to sanitize the Force and rid it of elements that continue to bring disrepute to the uniform.
“This disgraceful incident has once again drawn attention to the lingering challenge of misconduct among a few bad eggs in the Force. While the majority of our officers remain committed to their duties, we cannot ignore incidents like this, which erode public confidence and make a mockery of our dedication to serve and protect,” he said.
The Force also used the opportunity to issue a stern warning to individuals and organizations—both local and international—that employ Police officers for escort or protective duties. It cautioned against any form of inducement, collaboration, or coercion that could compromise the professionalism and ethical standards of Police personnel.
“In as much as we sanction our erring officers, we also advise members of the public not to offer bribes or encourage any unprofessional behavior,” ACP Adejobi added.
The video, which has now gained widespread attention both locally and internationally, shows the officers flagging down the foreign national’s vehicle, engaging in a brief conversation, and then blatantly collecting cash from him, believed to be a ₦5,000 bribe. The sheer casualness with which the transaction occurred highlights a systemic rot that critics say requires not just disciplinary action but a fundamental cultural overhaul within the Force.
Human rights groups and civil society organizations have since reacted, calling for not only punishment for the implicated officers but also wider reforms. Some have demanded that body cameras be made mandatory for officers on field duty, while others insist on external oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency in Police conduct.
This incident comes at a time when the Police Force is striving to rebuild its image following years of criticism and a widely publicized campaign to reform law enforcement in Nigeria. As the country grapples with internal security challenges, public trust in the Police remains critical.
Reaffirming the Nigeria Police Force’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct, the Force assured citizens of its unwavering commitment to professionalism, discipline, and transparency. “We will not allow the actions of a few to define the reputation of the many,” ACP Adejobi concluded.
As the disciplinary panel proceeds, Nigerians wait to see whether justice will be served swiftly and thoroughly—because in the fight to regain public confidence, actions will always speak louder than words.
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