Police Vow Crackdown on Rogue Officers Amid Renewed Calls for Force Reforms

ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force has renewed its commitment to tackling corruption and criminality within its ranks, following a series of high-profile cases involving officers accused of armed robbery, extortion and abuse of office.

The move comes after police authorities uncovered several incidents in which serving officers allegedly used official weapons and uniforms to rob and extort members of the public, raising fresh concerns about discipline, accountability and public trust in the Force.

One of the most notable cases occurred in Rivers State, where 11 police officers were linked to a robbery syndicate that allegedly abducted victims and forced them to transfer money from their bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets. According to police authorities, some of the officers have been dismissed, while others remain wanted.

In a separate operation in Edo State, six serving police officers and four civilian accomplices were arrested over an alleged kidnapping and extortion network that targeted residents by forcing them to withdraw money through Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals.

Security analysts and civil society groups have welcomed the police crackdown but insist that dismissing rogue officers is not enough. They argue that officers found guilty of criminal offences should face full prosecution to serve as a deterrent and restore public confidence in law enforcement.

                 

The renewed focus on internal discipline also revives calls for comprehensive police reforms, including improved training, stronger ethics enforcement, better welfare packages, transparent oversight mechanisms and greater accountability.

The issue has remained a major concern since the #EndSARS protests in 2020, which highlighted allegations of police brutality, misconduct and abuse of power. More recently, concerns over missing firearms from police armouries have further intensified demands for institutional reforms.

Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu has pledged zero tolerance for misconduct, assuring Nigerians that no officer will be shielded from investigation or prosecution regardless of rank. There will be transparency in Police oversight duties where public complaints are lodged. Let there be accountability in the management of corruption and misconduct in the Force.

Former Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was voluble on the reforms he intended for the Police. He promised to deploy technology and intelligence to pursue crime. He suggested there would be fewer boots hiding in corners to waylay unsuspecting citizens. Egbetokun promised specialised training to modernise the Force Criminal Database System and initiate quarterly ethics and professionalism training. Unfortunately, Egbetokun left behind a Police citizens can’t trust.

It is not cheering that three years into the Tinubu administration, the force still harbours criminals. The promises should not be merely documented; they should be backed by the political will and commitment to deliver. The federal government should carry out sincere and wholesale reforms to redeem the battered image of the Force. The Police are the first contact in law enforcement in the country. Criminals should not be carrying guns in an official capacity. 

The latest crackdown reflects growing efforts to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force. While disciplinary actions against rogue officers are seen as a positive step, experts argue that lasting reform will depend on consistent prosecution of offenders, improved officer welfare, stronger oversight, and institutional accountability to ensure policing remains professional, transparent and citizen-focused.