A heartbreaking video showing Nigerian police officers crying and pleading for help after what appears to be a violent terrorist attack has gone viral, sparking outrage and concern across the country. In the emotional footage, one of the officers, believed to be a sergeant, is seen weeping and calling on fellow Nigerians to intervene and “look into our problem.”
The video, which began circulating on social media earlier this week, shows scenes of destruction — burnt property, chaos, and visible fear — as the officers recount the horror they faced during the attack. The identity of the attackers and the exact location of the incident remain unclear, but the officers’ desperate cries paint a picture of helplessness and abandonment.
In the video, the visibly distraught officer cries out:
“As a Sergeant, I am dying here. Look how they burn all our things. They killed a lot of people. Nigerians, look into our problems! Nigerians, look into our problem! We are dying, no helper, why? Why? Why?… hungry servicemen!”
The officer’s repeated cry for help and mention of hunger has sparked widespread sympathy and renewed public attention to the conditions faced by many Nigerian security personnel, especially those deployed in conflict zones.
While full details of the incident remain sketchy, the video suggests that the attack was sudden and devastating, leaving the officers with no means of defense or escape.
The video has prompted emotional responses from Nigerians on social media, many of whom expressed shock at the condition of the officers and the apparent lack of government support.
“This video broke my heart,” one user wrote on Twitter. “These are the people who risk their lives for our safety, and look at how they are left to suffer and cry for help.”
Another user commented: “These officers deserve better. We can’t keep sending them into danger without proper weapons, training, or backup.”
Human rights activists have also weighed in, calling on the federal government and police authorities to investigate the attack and address the issues raised by the officers.
Nigeria continues to face serious security problems in many parts of the country, particularly in the North-East, where terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) operate. In the North-West and North-Central regions, bandits and armed gangs frequently carry out attacks on communities, travelers, and security personnel.
Despite the efforts of the Nigerian Police Force, the military, and other security agencies, many of these regions remain unsafe. Attacks on police stations, military outposts, and government facilities have become increasingly common in recent years.
Security experts say poor working conditions, lack of modern equipment, delayed salaries, and inadequate support have weakened the morale of security officers and reduced their ability to effectively respond to threats.
Many police officers working in high-risk areas face enormous challenges, including poor living conditions, lack of protective gear, outdated weapons, and insufficient training for handling large-scale attacks. These problems are not new and have been repeatedly raised by stakeholders and advocacy groups.
In 2020, during the #EndSARS protests, one of the major demands of Nigerians was for the government to reform the police, improve their welfare, and ensure better working conditions. While some steps have been taken since then, progress has been slow, and many officers still feel neglected.
The recent video only highlights what many already suspect — that frontline officers, especially in rural or vulnerable areas, are often left to fend for themselves in life-threatening situations.
As at the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not officially commented on the video or confirmed the details of the incident. However, pressure is mounting on the Inspector-General of Police and other top officials to respond publicly and take action.
The video has triggered a wave of calls for reforms, with many citizens demanding that the government take better care of those who put their lives on the line for the country.
For many Nigerians, the video of the weeping police sergeant is more than just another trending clip — it is a painful reminder of how deep the cracks in the country’s security system have become. It also raises serious moral questions about the way security personnel are treated and the kind of future the country is building if those meant to protect it are left to beg for help in tears.
