It is a disturbing irony that the very institution tasked with protecting citizens from crime has itself become a symbol of fear and exploitation. Across Nigeria, police extortion has become so normalised that many Nigerians now see bribery at checkpoints as just another “toll fee” on their daily commute. This is not only unacceptable — it is a betrayal of public trust.
Whether you’re a motorist, a commercial driver, or just a young person holding a smartphone, chances are you’ve had a run-in with police officers who seem more interested in your wallet than in upholding the law. From major cities to remote highways, countless Nigerians are harassed, threatened, or unlawfully detained until they “settle” their way to freedom. It’s a shameful reality that cuts across regions and ranks.
The most troubling part? Many of these acts happen in broad daylight, sometimes in full view of superior officers. The culture of silence and complicity within the police force has allowed this rot to spread. Junior officers learn quickly that extortion is not punished — it’s tolerated, even expected. For many, the uniform has become a license to exploit, rather than a duty to serve.
Of course, we cannot ignore the systemic issues fueling this crisis. Police officers are poorly paid, poorly equipped, and often sent out to “work” without basic allowances. In such conditions, many turn to extortion as a means of survival. But while poverty may explain the desperation, it does not excuse the abuse of power. Nigerians should not have to pay bribes to avoid being falsely accused, arrested, or worse — killed.
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We saw the anger explode during the #EndSARS protests. That movement was not just about a rogue police unit; it was a cry against decades of unchecked brutality and extortion. While the government promised reforms, not much has changed on the streets. The names may have changed, the units reshuffled, but the abuse continues. Nigerians are still being exploited, harassed, and in some cases, fatally shot — all for money.
This is a national crisis. A country where citizens cannot trust law enforcement is a country sitting on a keg of gunpowder. When people begin to see police officers as threats rather than protectors, it breeds lawlessness and fear. It weakens the rule of law and undermines national security at its core.
The solution is not just about increasing salaries or punishing a few scapegoats. It requires a complete overhaul of the police system — recruitment, training, monitoring, and accountability. Officers must be trained to see the public as partners, not prey. There must be clear, enforceable consequences for extortion and abuse of power. Citizens must also be empowered and protected when they report such crimes.
Above all, there must be political will. Real reform will not come from committees or empty declarations. It must come from leaders who are ready to clean house and rebuild trust from the ground up.
Until then, we remain at the mercy of a system where the line between police officer and armed robber continues to blur — and that is a tragedy Nigeria can no longer afford.
