Police brutality: Nigerians question security operatives’ high-handedness

Public outrage has continued to mount across Nigeria following the fatal shooting of a 28-year-old suspect, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, Delta State, in an incident that has once again brought allegations of police brutality and excessive use of force to the forefront of national debate.

The Delta State Police Command confirmed that the officer involved, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, has been arrested and transferred to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for disciplinary action. According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the officer acted in violation of Force Order 237 and established operational procedures when he discharged his firearm during the arrest operation, leading to the suspect’s death.

The incident reportedly occurred on April 26, 2026, after police operatives received intelligence suggesting that the deceased was involved in the movement of a firearm. However, a viral video circulating on social media has triggered widespread anger and renewed scrutiny of police conduct.

In the footage, the victim is seen restrained, lying on the ground, and pleading repeatedly for his life while offering to cooperate with officers. Despite his helpless condition, he was shot at close range, a development that has sparked condemnation from civil society groups, activists, and members of the public.

For many Nigerians, the incident is not an isolated case but part of a recurring pattern of alleged high-handedness by security operatives. The growing concern is that enforcement agencies, rather than protecting citizens, are increasingly being accused of violating the very rights they are meant to uphold.

“I watched the video and I still cannot understand how that level of force was necessary,” said Daniel Adeyemi, a Lagos-based professional. “Even if there was suspicion, the person was already restrained. This is exactly why people are afraid of the system meant to protect them.”

Adebukola Janet, a fashion designer in Ibadan, also expressed deep concern over what she described as a growing culture of fear. “We are constantly told the police are our friends, but incidents like this make people think otherwise,” she said. “It is becoming difficult to trust security operatives. Everyone is now scared of random encounters.”

The incident has also sparked street-level reactions, with members of the Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement staging a protest at the Warri Area Command of the Nigeria Police Force. Protesters demanded justice for the deceased and called for urgent reforms to address what they described as repeated cases of brutality and abuse of power.

Responding to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, condemned the shooting and described it as an extrajudicial act. He ordered the immediate arrest and transfer of the officer to the State Headquarters in Asaba before being moved to Abuja for further disciplinary proceedings. The command also extended condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public of a transparent investigation.

Despite these assurances, public confidence remains fragile. Many Nigerians argue that similar promises of accountability in the past have often failed to produce meaningful consequences, leading to a perception of impunity within the system.

Security analysts warn that such incidents, if not properly addressed, risk deepening the already widening gap between citizens and law enforcement agencies. They note that effective policing relies heavily on trust and cooperation from the public, both of which are increasingly under strain.

“When people feel unsafe around the police, it weakens intelligence gathering and community cooperation,” one analyst observed. “That has long-term implications for national security.”

As investigations continue, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether this case will mark a turning point or simply become another entry in a growing list of unresolved abuses. For now, the debate continues to grow louder: how can a system tasked with protection regain the trust of the very people it is meant to serve?