By Kunle Sodipo FICSSMN, MNIMN, ANIPR
_Abeokuta, Ogun State._
_6 September, 2026_
kdrexafricanchild@gmail.com
A video went viral on September 4. In it, a civilian confronted police officers. The allegation: one officer was behaving erratically and was suspected to be under the influence of “colos.” The second allegation: another officer tried to stop the civilian from filming.
What followed was jostling, shouting, and bystanders watching. Again.
This is not just another clip for X. It is a mirror. And if the Nigeria Police Force is serious about rebuilding public trust, it must look into that mirror without blinking.
*1. WHERE THE LINE WAS CROSSED*
Let us be direct.
If any officer of the Nigeria Police Force is found to be under the influence of narcotics while on duty, that is a betrayal. A betrayal of the uniform, of the oath, and of the millions of Nigerians who depend on the Police for protection. The Police cannot fight drug abuse in our communities while harboring it within its ranks.
And secondly: attempting to prevent a citizen from recording public officials in the course of duty is wrong. Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, and that includes the right to record. An officer who feels harassed by a camera should welcome it — because it also protects him from false allegations. Stopping a civilian from filming only fuels suspicion that something is being hidden.
These two actions, if proven true, are not “a few bad eggs.” They are cracks that weaken the entire foundation.
*2. WHY THIS KEEPS HAPPENING*
This incident points to 3 systemic flaws we must address:
1. *Welfare and Mental Health Gap*: Officers work 24-hour shifts, face trauma daily, and many are underpaid. Without proper psychological screening, welfare, and drug testing, some turn to substances to cope. That is not an excuse. It is an explanation we can no longer ignore.
2. *Accountability Deficit*: Too many citizens believe that reporting a police officer leads nowhere. When there are no swift, visible consequences, indiscipline spreads. The attempt to block filming comes from that same culture of “cover your own.”
3. *Public Trust Deficit*: After #EndSARS, the relationship between Police and citizens is still bruised. Every video, true or false, is interpreted through that lens of hurt. The Force is guilty until proven innocent in the court of public opinion.
To pretend these flaws don’t exist is image laundering. To confront them is true image rebuilding.
*3. THE OTHER SIDE OF THE NPF*
But a 60-second video cannot define 371,000 officers.
While this clip was trending, other officers were elsewhere doing the job:
1. *In Ogun State*, Police personnel are responding to kidnappings and armed robbery within minutes, often putting their lives on the line.
2. *Across the country*, the NPF is running drug testing for recruits, prosecuting officers found culpable, and pushing community policing through structures like PCRC and other well meaning partners.
3. *Forensic and Investigative Units* are being professionalized. Officers are now trained in crime scene management and forensic photography — the same tools that expose crime and also expose police misconduct.
The Nigeria Police Force is not a monolith of failure. It is an institution in transition, with thousands of men and women who report for duty with integrity despite poor pay, poor equipment, and public hostility.
The problem is this: one bad video erases 100 good deeds. That is the reality of the digital age.
*4. FROM OUTRAGE TO REFORM*
So what do we do with this video?
1. *Investigate and Sanction Publicly*: The NPF, through the Police Service Commission and IGP Complaint Response Unit, should immediately investigate. If culpable, dismiss and prosecute. And announce it. Silence is what breeds “they always protect their own.”
2. *Mandatory Drug Testing + Psych Eval*: Random drug tests for all officers. No sacred cows. An officer on drugs is a danger to himself and the public.
3. *Train on Citizen Rights*: Every officer must be retrained that “you cannot stop someone from filming you in public.” Body cameras will help both the officer and the citizen.
4. *Amplify the Good*: The NPF PR must stop being reactive. For every viral negative video, there should be 10 stories of rescue, community service, and professionalism. Let Nigerians see the full picture.
*My Take*
This video should anger us. But anger without action changes nothing.
To the civilian: thank you for holding power to account. That is democracy.
To the good officers: we see you. Do not let a few spoil the name of the Force.
To the Nigeria Police Force leadership: this is your moment. Condemn clearly. Investigate quickly. Reform boldly.
A Police Force that polices itself earns the right to police the nation.
Anything less, and the next video will be worse.
_“Together in Building Safer Communities”_
For the Nigeria Police Force and the People it Serves.
Feedback: kdrexafricanchild@gmail.com +2348033823808 (WhatsApp Only)
