Police-Citizen Relations in Nigeria: Police Is Your Friend?
Introduction
Police-Citizen Relations in Nigeria have become a major public concern in recent years. For many Nigerians, the phrase “Police is your friend” sounds more ironic than reassuring. Growing concerns about police brutality, corruption and abuse of power have led many citizens to question whether law enforcement agencies truly protect their rights.
Over the years, there have been repeated reports of police misconduct, poor treatment of citizens and a lack of accountability within the Nigerian Police Force. These issues have weakened public trust and damaged the relationship between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
Human rights and police accountability are closely connected. Police accountability helps protect human rights and strengthens public confidence in law enforcement institutions. Rights such as the right to life, liberty and security, guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, must be respected and protected by the police.
Unfortunately, there has been a serious breakdown in police–citizen relations in Nigeria. As trust declines, cooperation between citizens and law enforcement also reduces, increasing tension, conflict and public unrest. The #EndSARS protests further exposed concerns about police brutality and increased awareness among Nigerian youths of their constitutional rights.
Despite the difficult conditions faced by many law enforcement officers, the police must still be held accountable for their actions.
Factors Affecting Police–Citizen Relations in Nigeria
Several practices continue to weaken trust between the Nigerian police and the public.
1. Use of Excessive Force
The use of excessive force by police officers remains a major concern in Nigeria.
Section 37 of the Nigerian Police Act requires police officers to uphold the fundamental human rights of every person and ensure the safety and protection of all individuals. Section 38 prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment, while Section 62 explains the circumstances under which force may be used and stresses that it must be reasonably necessary.
Despite these legal safeguards, there have been cases where excessive force has resulted in severe injuries and even death. Reports of violent arrests and physical abuse continue to raise concerns about the conduct of some police officers.
2. Extrajudicial Killings
Extrajudicial killings by police officers further compound the issue of police accountability in Nigeria.
In recent years, reports of citizens being publicly shot by police officers have sparked nationwide outrage. One widely discussed incident occurred during the #EndSARS protests, which drew both national and international attention to police violence and abuse of power.
More recently, the fatal shooting of a young man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State in April 2026 further renewed public concern about police brutality. Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, intensifying calls for accountability.
Such actions violate the constitutional right to life and highlight the urgent need for stronger accountability mechanisms within the police force. These incidents continue to weaken public confidence in law enforcement institutions.
3. Police Extortion and Bribery
Police extortion and bribery have also contributed significantly to the loss of trust in the justice system.
Many citizens believe that individuals can avoid accountability if they offer bribes or financial inducements to police officers. This perception damages the credibility of the police and weakens confidence in the rule of law.
Corruption within law enforcement also leads to unlawful raids, illegal searches and violations of citizens’ rights to privacy and security.
The Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) provides safeguards against abuse. Section 7 prohibits arrest in lieu, while Section 8 emphasises humane treatment and prohibits torture. Regardless of the circumstances, police officers are expected to treat citizens with dignity and respect.
How to Restore the Relationship Between Police and Citizens
Rebuilding trust between the police and citizens requires meaningful reforms and a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and respect for human rights.
1. Increase Transparency and Accountability
There should be zero tolerance for corruption, abuse of power and misconduct within the police force. Officers who violate the law should be properly investigated and held accountable.
2. Improve Officer Conduct
Police officers should maintain professionalism in their interactions with the public and with fellow officers. Respectful and lawful conduct can significantly improve public confidence in law enforcement.
3. Promote Shared Responsibility for Public Safety
Community-oriented policing should be encouraged. This approach promotes collaboration between citizens and law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security.
4. Reform Police Training and Institutional Conduct
The Nigerian Police Force requires reforms in training, discipline and institutional structure. Officers should receive proper training on human rights, conflict resolution and ethical conduct.
Strengthening institutional frameworks can help address the existing trust deficit.
5. Enhance Communication and Public Engagement
Improved communication and regular engagement between the police and citizens can help rebuild trust. Open dialogue encourages cooperation and creates a safer environment for both officers and the public.
Conclusion
Police accountability is essential for protecting human rights and promoting justice in Nigeria.
Issues such as excessive force, extrajudicial killings, extortion and corruption have weakened public trust in the Nigerian Police Force and damaged police–citizen relations.
Although laws such as the Nigerian Police Act and the ACJA provide safeguards against abuse, effective implementation and institutional reform remain necessary.
Restoring trust in police–citizen relations requires transparency, accountability and respect for human rights.
By Oreoluwa Thomas