The Need to Match Words with Action for Attitudinal Change and Discipline in the Nigeria Police Force

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is integral to maintaining law and order, yet it has garnered a reputation for human rights abuses, including unlawful detention, harassment of innocent citizens, extortion, and corruption at roadblocks. Despite these challenges, there is potential for the NPF to reform and protect citizens’ rights, as evidenced by their commendable performance in international peace operations. Achieving this potential requires a profound attitudinal change within the force, underpinned by reforms in recruitment, remuneration, training, and internal discipline.

Historical Abuses and Current Realities

The NPF has a long history of human rights violations. Reports of unlawful detention without trial, harassment, and extortion are rampant. Officers often demand bribes for bail, despite bail being constitutionally free, and roadblocks serve as extortion points where motorists are forced to pay bribes to avoid fabricated charges. These practices not only violate citizens’ rights but also damage the public’s trust in the police, who are often seen more as predators than protectors.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Biodun Alabi recently emphasized the need for officers to respect human rights and maintain dignity in their interactions with the public. Addressing officers in Ogun State, Alabi warned that authorities would decisively deal with any officer found trampling on citizens’ rights, acknowledging that human rights abuse severely tarnishes the police’s image. But warning like this is not new from the hierarchy of the police force. While a few erring officers have been discipline, this actions have been far and in between and only a small number compared to the several cases of malfeasance being committed by man of the force on a daily basis.

Solutions for Reform

To restore public trust and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights, several key reforms are necessary:

1. Recruitment System and Processes: Reforming the recruitment process to attract individuals with a genuine commitment to public service is crucial. This includes implementing stringent background checks, psychological evaluations, and integrity assessments to ensure only the most suitable candidates join the force.
2. Remuneration: Adequate remuneration is essential to reduce the temptation for officers to engage in corrupt practices. Ensuring competitive salaries and benefits will help in motivating officers to perform their duties with integrity and professionalism.
3. Training: Comprehensive training programs focusing on human rights, ethical conduct, and conflict resolution are vital. Continuous professional development and regular refresher courses can help officers stay updated on best practices and legal standards.
4. Internal Discipline: Establishing a robust internal discipline mechanism to address misconduct is critical. This includes transparent and swift investigations into complaints against officers, and enforcing strict penalties for those found guilty of rights abuses or corruption.

The Role of Civil Society

Organizations like Social Action, through the Civil Rights Council, have been instrumental in advocating for better conditions of service for the police and providing training on human rights. These initiatives help create awareness among officers about the importance of respecting citizens’ rights and the legal implications of their actions.

Potential for Excellence

The commendable performance of Nigerian police officers in international peace operations highlights their potential for excellence. In these missions, they have demonstrated discipline, respect for human rights, and effective law enforcement. This success can be replicated domestically if the aforementioned reforms are implemented, ensuring that officers are well-trained, fairly compensated, and held accountable.

The need for an attitudinal change within the Nigeria Police Force is urgent and critical. By reforming recruitment processes, improving remuneration, providing comprehensive training, and enforcing strict internal discipline, the NPF can transform into an institution that truly protects citizens’ rights. With support from civil society and a commitment to these reforms, the police can rebuild public trust and fulfill their mandate to serve and protect the people of Nigeria