The Nigeria Police Force is once again in the eye of the storm following the circulation of a viral video showing officers, reportedly from MOPOL 1 in Kaduna, allegedly collecting cash from a group of Chinese nationals. The video, which surfaced online on Monday, has triggered a wave of condemnation from citizens, activists, and public commentators across the country.
The footage, which appears to show a group of uniformed officers in what looks like a negotiation or informal transaction with the Chinese men, ends with the police officers collecting a bundle of cash in what many observers have described as an “unprofessional and disgraceful” manner.
Though the exact context of the video remains unclear, the widespread interpretation among Nigerians is that the transaction was improper and possibly illegal. The clip has since spread like wildfire on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, sparking calls for immediate investigation and accountability.
Renowned human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore did not hold back in his criticism. Taking to X, Sowore slammed the officers involved and blamed the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for allowing such conduct to fester.
“These are shameful acts by men of the MOPOL 1 of @PoliceNG in Kaduna,” Sowore wrote. “They’re reduced to nobody because of greed and indiscipline. This is why I keep saying Illegal IGP Kayode Egbetokun must leave the police force and let fresh hands run the Nigeria Police Force. It is the shame of the nation. #EgbetokunMustGo.”
His comments attracted thousands of interactions, with many Nigerians echoing his sentiments and calling for the resignation or removal of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Popular and controversial social media commentator, VeryDarkMan (VDM), also weighed in via his Instagram page.
“This video is degrading, disrespectful and disgraceful to the Nigerian Police Force and to our country, Nigeria,” he said in a video that garnered over 100,000 views within hours. “We are talking about image here. If this is happening on camera, imagine what happens off camera.”
Across different platforms, Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to express disappointment, frustration, and anger over what they described as yet another evidence of deep-rooted corruption in the police force.
Some blamed poor welfare and the country’s worsening economic conditions for the incident. Others said the officers had brought shame to the country.
– @grind_charts: “Na wetin I talk, no shame because there’s lots of hunger in the country. Blame Nigeria government.”
– @olu_agbi33514: “Chinese bosses should be able to give them a pay rise through the system rather than giving them a cash gift.”
– @PrieztBami: “Nobody is stopping them from getting tipped oo. But it could be done in a respectful manner and with dignity. Their bosses must have been present there behind the camera, that’s why they’ve the mind to do this.”
– @ay_makanaki_247: “Even if it’s just a gift, must they collect it like that? No respect, no discipline, nothing professional about them.”
– @ify_choco: “We keep saying reform the police. But how will reform work when the rot starts from the top?”
– @deegreat_real: “Nigerian police and disgrace na 5 & 6. Why always us?”
– @jideoflagos: “This is why people don’t trust the police. How can we feel safe when this is what they do for the world to see?”
– @maria_adaobi: “Some of them probably saw this as normal, but it’s damaging to our image. Both home and abroad.”
– @karesolutions: “This video just embarrassed 200 million people. What will foreigners think of us now?”
As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had not released an official statement addressing the video. Attempts to reach police spokespersons were unsuccessful. However, pressure is mounting for the force to either deny, explain, or investigate the incident.
The Nigerian Police Force has long struggled with issues of corruption, extortion, and abuse of power. From allegations of roadside bribes to reports of unlawful detention and human rights violations, public confidence in the force remains low despite several reform attempts.
Efforts such as the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020, following the historic #EndSARS protests, were meant to usher in a new era of accountability and professionalism. However, many Nigerians feel that little has changed.
“This video just reminds us that the police still need deep structural reform,” said Ijeoma Chibuzor, a lawyer and human rights advocate. “Until there is a real cultural shift and serious internal discipline, things will remain the same.”
Nigerians are now demanding swift action — an investigation, disciplinary measures, and a public explanation. Civil society groups are also calling on the Police Service Commission to take interest in the matter, even as the public continues to express outrage.
Some have even gone further to suggest that an independent panel be set up to investigate incidents involving misconduct within the police.
For now, the video remains a stain on the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force, and unless addressed quickly, it could deepen the already fragile relationship between law enforcement and the people they are meant to protect.
