Dear Inspector General Sir, I write to express with dismay the unrepentant attitude of the majority of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force over the persistent collection or extortion of 50 naira from commercial motorists plying Nigerian roads. It has also come to the notice of the Safe And Secure Nigeria Blog that these officers neither conduct any form of security checks but would go as far as giving "change" to driver victims who would complain of having bigger Naira denominations.

As ridiculous as it may sound, instead of running security checks, these over zealous men of the Nigeria Police Force would ask the driver to park while he is tactically been delayed until the driver greases the palm of the police officer.

Unfortunately, this illegal and shameful act of the Nigeria police has become very common in the South Eastern part of Nigeria.



An unbearable occurance is that which takes place along Naze - Nekede - Ihigwa road in Imo State, Nigeria. On a brisk business day, two to three different police teams are usually seen at a separating distance of thre four electric Poles. The safety and security of Nigerians are relegated to the gallery as police officers on supposed security checks shamefully stick out their hands to receive their 50 naira bounty from helpless drivers.

This attitude has exposed Nigerians to untoid security risks. Consequently, illicit or dangerous materials as well as criminals are freely transported without fear of apprehension as they know that 50 naira police money fuarrantees a free passage.

How long would Nigerians and their security stakeholders take to realise that over 80% crimes successfully committed were as a result of such road security lapses or free passes created by the non-security checking, 50 Nair and I'll edging police personnel on checkpoints

I do not need to wear secret cameras to capture these misguided officers in the act as evidence because I know that the authorities and indeed all Nigerians are aware. No one, no act, no institution tarnishes Nigeria's image than a police officer on supposed road security check illegally extorting 50 naira from motorists even in broad daylight.

The police institution with all its claims of successfully combating crime & protecting lives & property of Nigerians cannot win the hearts of Nigerians until they put a total stop to this menace. Therefore until then, the Nigeria Police is nobody's friend.

Post a Comment

أحدث أقدم