By Peter Ogege
The popular phrase, “the police is your friend,” once symbolized reassurance, safety, and the promise of protection. Today, however, that slogan is increasingly becoming a bitter irony in the hearts of many Nigerians, as recurring cases of police brutality, harassment, extortion, and extrajudicial killings continue to erode public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
At a time when insecurity remains one of the gravest challenges confronting the nation, the police are expected to work in close partnership with citizens to combat crime and criminality through established laws, due process, and respect for human rights. The success of any policing system depends not only on weapons or authority, but on trust, cooperation, and legitimacy in the eyes of the people. Sadly, these essential values are being weakened by the misconduct of some officers whose actions tarnish the image of the entire institution.
The reported incident of April 26, 2026, in Effurun, Delta State, where a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, allegedly pulled the trigger and caused the death of a suspect, Mene Ogidi, has once again brought the troubling issue of police excesses into sharp national focus. The tragedy calls for sober reflection and urgent introspection into the operational culture of some officers within the force, with a view to curbing unprofessional conduct and restoring discipline.
It is commendable that the Nigeria Police Force and the Delta State Police Command acted swiftly by apprehending Officer Usman and his alleged accomplices for investigation, trial, and possible prosecution. Such prompt action sends an important signal that impunity should not be tolerated. However, beyond arrests and public statements, Nigerians expect concrete justice. This case, like many before it, must not be swept under the carpet. Justice must not only be done—it must be seen to be done.
Equally deserving of commendation is the decisive intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who reportedly ordered the dismissal and prosecution of the officers involved after preliminary findings revealed a clear violation of the Force’s regulations on the use of firearms. His swift response demonstrates the kind of leadership Nigerians hope to see more often in moments of crisis.
Yet, while individual disciplinary actions are necessary, they are not enough. The deeper challenge remains the widening gulf of distrust between the police and the public. For many citizens, encounters with officers now evoke fear rather than confidence, suspicion rather than safety. This is dangerous for any society, because no police institution can effectively fight crime without the cooperation of the people it serves.
The repeated reports of extrajudicial killings, extortion, harassment, and brutality suggest that some personnel within the force lack the discipline, emotional intelligence, and ethical grounding required for modern policing. Their actions undermine the sacrifices of many honest and dedicated officers who carry out their duties with integrity.
To reverse this ugly trend, reforms must go beyond punishment after the fact. The Nigeria Police Force should institutionalize regular training and retraining programmes focused on human rights, conflict de-escalation, emotional intelligence, and community policing. Officers must be reminded that the power they wield is a public trust, not a license for abuse.
In addition, routine medical and psychological evaluations should become mandatory to assess the mental fitness, emotional stability, and alertness of officers entrusted with firearms and public safety responsibilities. Policing is an intense and demanding profession, and the mental wellbeing of officers should never be neglected.
Furthermore, accountability mechanisms must be strengthened. Independent complaint channels, body cameras, transparent investigations, and swift disciplinary procedures can help deter abuse and reassure the public that misconduct will attract consequences.
The tragedy in Effurun should serve as more than another headline—it should be a turning point. Nigerians deserve a police force that protects rather than preys, reassures rather than intimidates, and serves rather than oppresses. Rebuilding trust will require courage, sincerity, and sustained reforms.
Only then can the phrase “the police is your friend” regain its true meaning.
