Chris Okpoko
Nigeria’s policing system is at a crossroads, grappling with the need for reform while navigating a myriad of socio-political challenges. From widespread allegations of human rights abuses to corruption and inefficiency, the Nigerian police force has faced scrutiny both domestically and internationally. A report by the European Union Agency for Asylum, published in November 2025, revealed that the Nigerian Police Force, with an estimated strength of 371,800 officers serving a population of about 236.7 million people, has more than 100,000 officers deployed to protect politicians and other Very Important Persons, raising concerns over inadequate security coverage for ordinary citizens. It stated that the country’s policing deficits are worsened by the diversion of a significant portion of available personnel to VIP protection rather than community policing and crime prevention.
The EU agency said manpower shortages, corruption, and limited resources have led to slow emergency response times and left many communities with little or no police presence. It further noted that weak accountability mechanisms have enabled unprofessional conduct among some officers, including arbitrary arrests, extortion, and excessive use of force.
Recall that in August, President Bola Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, Hadiza Bala-Usman, called for an end to the deployment of policemen as personal guards to VIPs. Bala-Usman argued that elite protection should no longer come at the expense of national security. According to her, “We must free our policemen to do national security as required. Whoever feels too important and wants machine gun-wielding personnel protecting him should go and hire a private security company with the necessary documentation, not take our mobile policemen.” She called for a review of the Police Act to enable private security to take up “some of the work we are forcing our security agencies to do.”
It is against this background that this article delves into the complexities of police reform in Nigeria, examining the historical context, the current state of the police force, the implications of VIP protection, and potential pathways toward effective police reform.
The roots of policing in Nigeria can be traced back to colonial times, when the British established a police force primarily to enforce colonial rule rather than to serve the interests of the local populace. This legacy of mistrust and abuse set the stage for an authoritarian approach to law enforcement, characterized by violence and oppression rather than community engagement or protection. Following independence in 1960, Nigeria’s police continued to evolve amid political instability, military coups, and civil strife, often becoming tools of the government rather than impartial enforcers of the law.
This historical backdrop is essential in understanding the current legitimacy crisis facing the Nigerian police. Public perception of the police is overwhelmingly negative, with many citizens viewing officers as corrupt, abusive, and disconnected from the communities they serve. The #EndSARS protests of 2020 highlighted this sentiment, as Nigerians rallied against the notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), calling for an end to police brutality and demanding systemic reforms. The protests underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive re-evaluation of policing practices in Nigeria to restore public trust and ensure accountability.
Today, the Nigeria police force is plagued by several challenges, including inadequate training, poor working conditions, and insufficient resources. Despite the increasing prevalence of violent crime and insecurity, the police remain underfunded and poorly equipped. The lack of modern technology and investigative techniques hampers their ability to respond effectively to crime. Moreover, low salaries and lack of motivation contribute to widespread corruption, as officers often resort to extortion or bribery to supplement their income.
The assignment of over 100,000 police officers to protect VIPs exacerbates these issues. While it is essential to provide security for high-profile individuals, the disproportionate allocation of resources raises serious concerns about neglecting community policing priorities. In a country struggling with high rates of crime, terrorism, and communal violence, the focus on VIP protection detracts from the police’s ability to fulfill their primary mandate: ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order. The prioritization of elite security over the safety of ordinary citizens not only undermines public trust but also raises ethical questions about the police’s role in society.
The decision to prioritize the protection of VIPs has significant implications for the overall effectiveness of the police force. Firstly, it reflects a broader trend in Nigerian society in which wealth and status determine access to security and justice. This disparity leads to a segmented approach to law enforcement, where the needs of the affluent overshadow the rights of the majority. Ordinary citizens feel increasingly abandoned as their safety becomes secondary to that of officials.
Furthermore, the excessive focus on VIP protection perpetuates a culture of impunity within the police force. Officers assigned to protect influential individuals may engage in misconduct without fear of consequences, knowing that their actions are often shielded by the very power structures they serve. This dynamic fosters an environment of corruption and lawlessness, where the police become enforcers of the elite rather than guardians of the law.
Moreover, diversion of resources to VIP security compromises the police’s ability to respond to pressing public safety issues. With limited personnel and funding dedicated to community safety, incidents of violent crime, armed robbery, and kidnapping continue to rise, leaving citizens vulnerable and disillusioned with law enforcement. The challenge lies not only in reallocating resources but also in reorienting the police’s focus to prioritize community engagement and crime prevention strategies.
Addressing the dilemma of policing in Nigeria requires a multifaceted strategy for change. Firstly, there is an urgent need for a comprehensive review of the police force’s structure, functions, and objectives. Policymakers must prioritize community policing models that emphasize collaboration between law enforcement and local communities. By fostering relationships built on trust and mutual respect, the police can enhance their effectiveness in addressing crime and promoting public safety.
Secondly, training and capacity-building initiatives should be implemented to enhance police professionalism and accountability. Officers must undergo rigorous training that emphasizes human rights, ethical conduct, and community engagement. Establishing clear protocols for monitoring and evaluating police performance will also help instill a culture of accountability within the force.
Additionally, increasing transparency in police operations is crucial for rebuilding public trust. Mechanisms such as independent oversight bodies and community policing forums can empower citizens to hold law enforcement accountable and provide platforms for addressing grievances. Encouraging civilian participation in policing efforts will allow communities to take ownership of their safety and security.
Finally, addressing resource allocation is essential. The government must reevaluate its spending priorities, ensuring that adequate funding is directed toward community policing initiatives rather than exclusively on securing VIPs. Investing in technology, infrastructure, and officer welfare will enable the police to function more effectively and restore faith in their ability to serve.
In conclusion, policing in Nigeria stands as a complex and pressing dilemma, rooted in historical injustices and compounded by contemporary challenges. The allocation of substantial police resources for VIP protection raises critical ethical and practical questions about the purpose of law enforcement in a democracy. For Nigeria to achieve meaningful police reform, it must prioritize strategies that emphasize community engagement, accountability, and transparency. Only through a concerted effort to rebuild trust and address systemic issues can the Nigeria police emerge as a force committed to serving and protecting all citizens, thereby promoting a safer and more equitable society. The road to reform may be fraught with challenges, but it is an essential endeavor in the pursuit of justice and peace in Nigeria.