By Osordi Ayomide
By all standards of law and morality, the primary duty of the Nigerian police is to protect life and property. Yet, across Nigeria today, a disturbing pattern continues to erode public confidence. The very institution entrusted with safeguarding citizens is increasingly accused of endangering them, particularly young people.
Recent incidents have once again forced this painful conversation into the open. In Effurun, Delta State, the fatal shooting of a handcuffed suspect captured in a widely circulated video has reignited outrage.
The victim, reportedly attempting to speak while restrained, was shot by an officer in what authorities themselves described as a clear violation of established rules. While the police hierarchy has condemned the act and promised disciplinary action, many Nigerians are no longer reassured by official statements. For them, this has become a familiar script characterized by a cycle of public outcry and official condemnation, followed ultimately by silence.
This is not an isolated case, rather, it reflects a deeper, systemic issue. For years, allegations of extrajudicial killings, poor investigations, and the wrongful identification of suspects have trailed the police. In many instances, victims are denied the fundamental principle of justice the right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. Instead of arrest and due process, force is too often the first response. The implications are profound, for when law enforcement begins to operate outside the law, it undermines the very foundation of justice. The question then arises: who protects the citizens from those meant to protect them?
Equally troubling are reports involving other security agencies. The killing of a young corps member in Abuja—allegedly by personnel pursuing a suspect adds another layer to this crisis. According to accounts, the victim was shot in his own residence, and there were claims of attempts to conceal evidence afterward. Such incidents, whether isolated or systemic, deepen public fear and reinforce a perception of total impunity.
For many Nigerians, especially the youth, fear has become twofold. On one hand, there is the threat of criminal elements such as bandits, armed robbers, and kidnappers. On the other, there is growing anxiety about encounters with security operatives themselves. This dual fear is a dangerous reality for any nation to sustain. The emotional toll is equally devastating, leaving families grieving without closure and mothers burying children under unresolved circumstances. In some cases, disturbing videos of these final moments circulate online, compounding the trauma and anger. Justice, when delayed or absent, only widens the wound.
It is within this climate of frustration that voices of dissent have gained traction, echoing sentiments of disillusionment with the state. While certain characterizations of the Nigerian state remain contentious, they nonetheless reflect a growing disconnect between citizens and their institutions. To be clear, no society can function without law enforcement, as the police and military remain essential pillars of national security. However, legitimacy is not derived from force; it is earned through accountability, professionalism, and respect for human rights.
The recent statement by the police condemning the Effurun incident and initiating disciplinary measures is a necessary step, but it is not sufficient. Nigerians are demanding more than words, they want transparent investigations, timely prosecutions, and visible consequences for misconduct. Anything less risks further entrenching the belief that justice is selective or unattainable.
The nation has continually called for a total reform of the police force, including better training, stricter adherence to rules of engagement, independent oversight mechanisms, and a justice system that works swiftly. Nigeria stands at a critical point where the choice is either to rebuild trust through accountability, or continue down a path where fear overshadows security and justice remains elusive. For now, many Nigerians are left asking a painful question: if those meant to protect us become a threat, where then lies our safety?