82-709: The Special Anti-Robbery Squad ( SARS ) was a Nigerian Police Force unit created in late 1992 to deal with crimes associated with robbery , motor vehicle theft , kidnapping , cattle rustling , and firearms . It was part of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), headed by the then Deputy Inspector General of Police Anthony Ogbizi . SARS was controversial for its links to extrajudicial killings , forced disappearances , extortion , torture , framing , blackmail , kidnapping , illegal organ trade , armed robbery , home invasions , rape of men and women, child arrests,
164-786: A 1,200-member armed paramilitary Hausa Constabulary was formed. In 1896 the Lagos Police was established. More so, the Niger Coast Constabulary, was formed in Calabar in 1894 under the newly proclaimed Niger Coast Protectorate . In the north, the Royal Niger Company set up the Royal Niger Company Constabulary in 1888 with headquarters at Lokoja. When the protectorates of Northern and Southern Nigeria were proclaimed in
246-627: A 10-year-old boy were killed in Ogbomosho, Oyo State, by police bullets while at least three were shot dead in Lagos—including an auto mechanic who was not part of the protests but was killed by a SARS officer in Lagos. On 16 October, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey revealed a new #ENDSARS emoji on Twitter that carries the colors of the Nigerian flag that is added to tweets whenever the hashtag #EndSARS
328-601: A bus passenger, who also turned out to be Nigerian Supreme Court Justice Obasi, after he refused to unlock his mobile phone. On 3 April 2020, a Nigerian police officer was arrested for assaulting a port worker. On 18 April 2020, the Nigerian Police Force stated that two of its officers were arrested after being caught on film beating a woman at the Odo Ori Market in Iwo , Osun State . On 28 April 2020, it
410-465: A certain level of qualification before being considered, job applications should be transparently managed, policemen should not have to buy their own, the police are in dire need of an up-to-date communication network, and the police should be given better investigating tools and the training to use them The Nigerian Police was ranked as the institution viewed as the most corrupt in Nigeria , according to
492-458: A man during a raid in Lagos. On 21 August 2019, four operatives of the Nigerian Police Force's notorious Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) were arrested and charged with murder after being caught on film manhandling and then shooting to death two suspected phone thieves in broad daylight. The two suspected phone thieves were shot dead after they had been arrested. On 5 January 2020, three Nigerian Police Force officers were arrested after beating
574-655: A motorist. On 3 June 2020, the Adamawa State police command announced that one of its officers was arrested for murdering a motorcycle motorist who refused to pay him a bribe. In October 2018, eight Boipatong police officers were arrested for torturing and then murdering a Nigerian national in October 2017. On 2 August 2019, two officers of the Nigerian Police Force's Anti-Cultism Squad, Insp. Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sgt. Godwin Orji, were arrested and charged with murdering
656-555: A national scourge that witch-hunt machinery against Nigerian youth with dreadlocks, piercings, cars, expensive phones and risque means of expression. In May 2010, Amnesty International disclosed that it would be suing the Nigerian Police over human rights abuses, stating that SARS operatives in Borokiri, Port Harcourt , had arrested three bicyclists and detained them for over one week while they were "beaten every night with
738-439: A police career. Ibrahim Babangida also disclosed plans to obtain technical assistance from Britain to establish a central planning and training program to modernize and upgrade police training. The Nigeria police force uses various vehicles in carrying out its constitutional duty, listed below: Nigerian law enforcement: ref> "Nigerian police arrest officer filmed collecting bribe" . 10 November 2019. Archived from
820-655: A profit of ₦ 9.35 billion ($ 60 million) from roadblocks and extortion within 18 months. On 3 June 2011, the Nigeria Police Force discovered an attempt by SARS operative Musa Agbu to bomb the Force's headquarters. Following several reports of human rights violations submitted by members of the public to the office of the Inspector General of Police, on 7 August 2015, the then-Inspector General of Police Solomon Arase announced he would split
902-482: A protestor named Jimoh Isiaq was shot dead by police officers while participating in the #EndSARS protests. His death at the hands of police officers further increased the anger nationwide as he became a martyr for protesters. Several hashtags, including #EndPoliceBrutality and #RememberJimoh, trended on Twitter. On 10 October, a police station in Ijebu-Ode , South-Western Nigeria , was attacked by protestors angry over
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#1732772923218984-464: A publicly aired address that Nigeria's controversial Special Anti-Robbery Squad {SARS} had been dismantled and also accused some members of SARS of committing "acts of excessive use of force" when the unit was operational. Plans were then put in place to prosecute some former Sars members for also extortion, rape, and murder. Numerous Nigerians had long accused the controversial police unit of committing acts of extortion, rape, torture and murder. After
1066-624: A raid in Ijegun to arrest kidnappers in the area, several shots were fired in an attempt to subdue the kidnappers; one of these shots hit a pregnant woman who was reportedly killed instantly. An angry mob was said to have lynched two of the officers on the spot. On 21 August 2019, four SARS operatives were arrested and charged with murder after being caught on film manhandling and then shooting to death two suspected phone thieves in broad daylight. The suspected thieves were shot dead after they had already been arrested. On 5 September 2019, operatives of
1148-510: A staff strength of about 371,800. There are currently plans to increase the force to 650,000, adding 280,000 new recruits to the existing 370,000. The Nigeria Police Force is a very large organisation consisting of 36 State commands and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) grouped into 17 zones and 8 administrative organs. As at July 2024, the NPF is headed by IGP (Inspector General) Kayode Egbetokun . In 2020, it underwent major overhauls. In 1879,
1230-418: A survey done at Ahmadu Bello University . In February 2019, it was reported that Nigerian police officers commonly gained extra money by extorting residents. On 30 July 2019, three Nigeria Police Force Officers from Anambra State were arrested on charges of extorting three residents. On 10 November 2019, the Nigerian Police Force issued a statement revealing that Safer Highways Patrol officer Onuh Makedomu
1312-527: Is Yusuf Mohamed, the leader of the Boko Haram sect in Nigeria , was alive when captured by the army. Even before the violence surrounding the Boko Haram uprising in northern Nigeria , there were questions over the conduct of the security forces. The government is currently attempting to reform the police. They have produced a White Paper with 79 recommendations for improving the police force, which
1394-406: Is alleged to follow a policy of "Fire for Fire" in which many captured suspects die in police custody or are "shot while attempting to escape". Decades of police and official corruption and continued failure to train police officers properly has led to a situation where extrajudicial killing is an accepted form of dealing with people the police believe to be criminals. The most recent victim of which
1476-488: Is due to be considered by the National Assembly and turned into a Police Reform Bill. Key reforms such as: Police officers are paid as little as $ 40 (£26) a month, this should be raised to $ 100 for police constables, Deal with the estimated 10,000 officers with criminal records hired between 2001 and 2004, establish a reliable system for the public to complain about the police, better educated Recruits should attain
1558-607: Is said but not implemented). The new hashtags #EndSWAT and #SARSMUSTEND went international as protestors called for the new unit to be scrapped as they thought several members of the defunct SARS would be integrated into the new unit. Back in Southern Nigeria , the Rivers State government unconstitutionally placed a ban on all forms of protests in the oil-rich state, asking police to arrest any defaulters. However, on 13 October, EndSARS protestors marched in defiance of
1640-425: Is still a great deal of uncertainty about whether the panels will be truly independent and will be able to fulfill their charge. In November and December 2020, #ENDSARS protestors continued to be harassed by police. On 22 October 2020, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed in a publicly-aired address that SARS had been dismantled and also accused some members of SARS of committing "acts of excessive force" when
1722-591: Is used as a sign of support for Nigerian protestors. On the same day, after a week and a half of widespread national protests, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in a series of Twitter posts told Nigerians he chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the Minister of the FCT to set up judicial panels of inquiry, "so [they] can see justice served, and fast". His statements came as protestors occupied streets and remained defiant until their demands are implemented. On 18 October 2020,
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#17327729232181804-779: The National Executive Council (NEC), headed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo , met with the governors of Nigeria's thirty-six states and representatives from Nigeria's Human Rights Commission and State Security to address the problems caused by SARS. After the meeting, the NEC directed the governors and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja to set up "judicial panels of inquiry" to investigate the various allegations of human rights violations carried out by SARS operatives. The panels, chaired by retired state judges with members from civil society groups,
1886-700: The Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force came to an understanding, and official police duties resumed in Lagos . In November 1992, the SARS unit was officially commissioned in Lagos. At the time, SARS was one of the fourteen units in the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department , and was established to detain, investigate, and prosecute those involved in violent crimes such as armed robbery and kidnapping. In mid-1996,
1968-516: The invasion of privacy , and polluting bodies of water with the illegal disposal of human remains. SARS was investigated several times in response to protests, but without results; reforms were promised in 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. The unit was disbanded on 11 October 2020 after worldwide protests under the motto " End SARS " occurred. The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) was founded in late 1992 by former police commissioner Simeon Danladi Midenda . The inciting events that spurred SARS formation were
2050-573: The 36 State Commands and Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Three major Governmental Agencies oversee the control and supervision of the Nigerian Police Force; the Police Service Commission, the Nigerian Police Council and Ministry of interior. The Nigeria Police Force was under the general operational and administrative control of an Inspector General (IGP) appointed by the president and responsible for
2132-527: The Acting President of Nigeria Yemi Osinbajo ordered with immediate effect the "overhaul" of SARS following reports of human rights violation. The acting president ordered the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Kpotun Idris to reform SARS and carry out an independent investigation after "persistent complaints and reports" concerning human rights violations. After the order, the IGP announced that
2214-1049: The Attorney-General of the State asked the Police Commissioner to let them go, although arrested protestors were asked to come with a surety to sign on their behalf before they would be released. The End SARS protests were largely decentralized with no actual leaders, though there were protest organizers in several cities who created WhatsApp groups, fundraised, and supplied protestors on the ground with food, medicine, and other supplies. Legal services were acquired and doctors were deployed on ground to administer first aid to protestors. Protestors had access to ambulance services obtained with funds donated by people in Nigeria and abroad including donations via bitcoin and lawyers went from city to city providing arrested protestors with representation and facilitating bails. As
2296-850: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The newspaper report accused the Nigerian Police Force of committing more extrajudicial killings and other human rights violations during the period of the lockdown extension in the country, stating that this accounted for 59.6 per cent of the total cases of violations. Police training is directed from headquarters by a deputy inspector general designated as commander. Recruits were trained at police colleges in Oji River , Maiduguri , Kaduna , and Ikeja , which also offered training to other security personnel, such as armed immigration officers. The Police College Ikeja trained cadet assistant superintendents and cadet subinspectors.There were also in-service training schools, including
2378-656: The Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad and other tactical squads must stop such operations, including traffic checks, "with immediate effect". On 11 October 2020, Adamu dismantled SARS. The IGP said that a new unit, called Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), would replace SARS. Within hours of the announcement, some Nigerians took to Twitter with the hashtag #EndSWAT, and demonstrations continued amid fears that police reform would not materialize. Protestors' fears were not assuaged by promises of adequate training for SWAT members. On 15 October 2020,
2460-493: The Human Rights Commission, Citizens Mediation Centre, and two youth representatives, were directed to receive and investigate all complaints of police brutality including extra-judicial killings by police with the intention to bring justice for such victims and their families. The state governors were also charged with establishing proper oversight over future police activity. Most states moved quickly to set up
2542-752: The NPF was reorganized nationwide into seven area commands, which superseded a command structure corresponding to each of the States of Nigeria . Each command was under a commissioner of police and was further divided into police provinces and divisions under local officers. NPF headquarters, which was also an area command, supervised and coordinated the other area commands. Later these Area Commands were grouped under Zone Commands as follows: Zone 1, Headquartered Kano , with Kano , Katsina , and Jigawa Commands Zone 2, Headquartered Lagos , with Lagos , and Ogun commands Zone 3, Headquartered Yola , with Adamawa , and Gombe Commands. In mid-1989 another NPF reorganization
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2624-577: The NPF's Rivers Command, was arrested for raping a woman at a checkpoint in the Tai area of Rivers State for not wearing a face mask. As of 9 September 2020, he was still in custody for the rape. A case involving accusations that Nigeria Police Force officers in Abuja raped some of 65 women who were arrested for illicit nightclub activity in April 2019 after they refused to pay the officers bribes for their release
2706-566: The NPF. The FCID is divided into sections, with most of them headed by Commissioners of Police (CPs). The Police Mobile Force was established as a strike or Anti-riot unit under the control of the Inspector-General of Police to counter incidents of civil disturbance. It is designated to take over operations of major crisis where conventional police units cannot cope. There are presently 12 MOPOL Commands, MOPOLs 1 thru 12, controlling 52 Police Mobile Squadrons which are spread amongst
2788-479: The Nigeria Police Force. On 4 October 2020, Muhammed Adamu , inspector general of police (IGP), announced the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other tactical squads must stop such operations, including traffic checks, “with immediate effect." On 11 October, one week after ceasing operations, Adamu dismantled SARS. On 22 October 2020, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed in
2870-524: The Nigerian Army announced its annual training exercise "Operation Crocodile Smile VI", a program which included a cyber warfare exercise component that sought to identify, track, and counter "negative comments on social media across the country". The operation also sought to confiscate arms and ammunition that had been used in violent crimes that escalated during the protests. In the Lekki massacre on
2952-428: The Nigerian Police Force (NPF). One of the most damning reports was published on 17 August 2010 by Human Rights Watch (HRW). Another report by Amnesty International USA accused the NPF of intimidation of Journalists , forced eviction, and other human rights violation. On 12 May 2020, ThisDay newspaper carried a report on the gross abuse and violation of human rights committed by the Nigerian Police Force during
3034-545: The PSC, and the Inspector General of Police. It is mandated to provide general supervision of the police and to advise the President on the appointment of the Inspector-General. The Police Service Commission (PSC) is the civilian oversight body on the police. It is responsible for appointment, promotion, and discipline of all police officers except the Inspector General of Police. It shall collaborate, cooperate and work with all
3116-886: The Police Mobile Force Training School at Guzuo, southwest of Abuja , the Counter Terrorism (CTU) training school, Nonwa Tai, Rivers State , the Police Detective College at Enugu, the Police Dogs Service Training Centre, and the Mounted Training Centre. In August 1989, Former head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida (RTD) laid down the foundation stone for a Nigerian Police Academy (NPA) in Kano State . The NPA
3198-533: The Port Security Police, was reported by different sources to have a strength in 1990 of between 1,500 and 12,000. The NPF maintains a three-tier administrative structure of departments, zonal and state commands: The Directorate of Operations was subdivided into four units under a deputy director—operations, training, communications, and the Mobile Police . The Directorate of Administration
3280-524: The SARS Lagos branch arrested two security guards at their place of work under suspicion of assisting in a robbery. The two guards were not charged with a crime when arrested. In January 1997, the bodies of the guards were placed at a morgue without an explanation for their deaths. In October 2005, a SARS operative killed a bus driver in Obiaruku, Delta State , for failing to pay a bribe. The operative
3362-624: The SARS in Lekki , Lagos, allegedly kidnapped, tortured, and robbed Nigerian rapper Ikechukwu Onunaku for no clear reason. According to publications by Punch Nigeria , SARS operatives forced Onunaku to make several ATM withdrawals. During its formation, SARS was known to operate covertly. Operatives were not allowed to wear a police uniform or publicly carry guns or walkie-talkies, and were given unmarked vehicles that sometimes had no license plates or private plate numbers during duty. In December 2017, Segun Awosanya spearheaded an online advocacy campaign that demanded an end to SARS brutality in
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3444-427: The SARS investigating panels. However, on 9 November 2020, the police filed a lawsuit claiming that the panels were unconstitutional and illegal, and that state governors had no constitutionally granted powers to oversee the police. On 3 December 2020, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) ordered an investigation into the origins of the police lawsuit. Without explanation, the police withdrew their lawsuit, though there
3526-661: The SARS unit into two units—an operational unit and an investigations unit—in order to curtail cases of human rights violations. In September 2016, Pulse.ng compiled a report on Nigerian police brutality entitled "Meet SARS, the Police Unit with license to kill", which highlighted the brutality and ignorance of the squad's rules of engagement. A September 2016 report published by Amnesty International detailed extensive torture and detainment without trial. The report detailed SARS forcing confessions, withholding food, and other abuses. On 10 August 2019, while SARS operatives were on
3608-664: The SARS. Efforts to ban SARS increased in October 2020 after a SARS police officer shot a young Nigerian man in front of the Wetland Hotel in Ughelli , Delta State. Video of the incident trended on social media, leading to nationwide protests within a few days. The protests quickly expanded from an online hashtag to widespread street protests in days. Popular Nigerian Twitter influencers Rinnu, FK, Kelvin Odanz, Dr. Dipo Awojide, and several others quickly joined in raising awareness of
3690-681: The US$ 900 million worth of property reported stolen in the preceding six months, and that only 20 percent of the 103,000 persons arrested had been found guilty, a performance record about the same as that reported in the 1960s. The use of excessive violence in quelling student disorders led the AFRC in June 1986 to direct the police to use only rubber bullets in containing student riots. Reports of police collusion with criminals were common, as were official appeals to police officers to change their attitude toward
3772-507: The absence of police for two weeks, the crime rate increased. In response, SARS was formed with an initial force of fifteen men and two Peugeot station wagons. Three police anti-robbery squads (the first of which was established in 1984) were already operating at that time, so Midenda needed to distinguish his squad from the existing teams. Midenda named his team the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. After two weeks of dialogue,
3854-532: The army had usurped police functions and kept police pay low, and there were fights between police and army officers over border patrol jurisdiction. The armed forces chief of staff announced a thorough reorganization of the NPF into the seven new area commands and five directorates (criminal investigations, logistics, supplies, training, and operations) under deputy inspectors general. About 2,000 constables and 400 senior police officers were dismissed by mid-1987, leaving senior police officers disgruntled. In late 1986,
3936-694: The ban, all the way up to the State Government House, where the governor resides. In Kaduna , Northern Nigeria , protestors marched asking for an end to police brutality and the disbandment of SARS. In Abeokuta , Ogun State , and Benin City , Edo State , thousands of Nigerian youths marched in solidarity asking the government to end police brutality. In Benin City, police tear-gassed protestors and arrested some and charged them with treason and attempted murder. However, according to reports on Twitter and media websites, they were later released after
4018-498: The butt of a gun and iron belt". On 20 May 2010, a Federal High Court in Enugu State ordered the then- Inspector General of Police Ogbonna Okechukwu Onovo to produce a SARS officer who had shot dead a 15-year-old boy at his high school. According to the SARS officer, the teen was mistaken for a kidnapper. On 27 July 2010, Sahara Reporters published an extensive editorial report detailing how SARS and other police units had made
4100-447: The campaign took to the streets with protests occurring in Abuja . The Nigeria Police Force endured backlash over comments made by Public Relations Officer Jimoh Moshood, who accused the campaigners of being "criminals" and "robbers". Moshood also called for the campaigners to come forward so that SARS could investigate them. During the 8th National Assembly , Nigeria's Senate backed the call for scrapping SARS. On 14 August 2018,
4182-402: The country, but in 1989, well into Nigeria's second military dictatorship , Ibrahim Babangida announced that a more significant number of officers would be posted to their native areas to facilitate police-community relations. The 1986 NPF reorganization was occasioned by a public eruption of tensions between the police and the army. A superintendent was suspended for a time for grumbling that
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#17327729232184264-404: The country. The campaign started on social media from the hashtag #EndSARS, created by Twitter user @Letter_to_jack in a post demanding that the federal government of Nigeria scrap and end the deployment of SARS. The public responded positively to the hashtag, with people all over Nigeria posting about their experiences with SARS. The campaign was reported by international media. By mid December,
4346-562: The death of Jimoh Isiaq and several others who had died at the hands of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad. In Lagos, protestors marched to the Lagos State House of Assembly to demand an end to SARS. The following morning, an emergency session of the Lagos House of Assembly was held as lawmakers allowed some protestors into the building to observe proceedings. A motion was passed and agreed on by legislators who voted in favour of
4428-517: The details are yet to be made public hence it is not included or updated into the table below. Although, the NPF is generally considered an attractive career, the NPF has experienced endemic problems with recruiting, training, inefficiency, and indiscipline, and it lacked expertise in specialized fields. Corruption and dishonesty were widespread, engendering a low level of public confidence, failure to report crimes, and tendencies to resort to self-help. Police were more adept at paramilitary operations and
4510-616: The disbandment of the SARS unit of the Nigerian police force, another tactical unit was set up called (SWAT). The Nigerian Police (NP) is designated by the 1999 constitution as the national police of Nigeria with exclusive jurisdiction throughout the country. Constitutional provision also exists, however, for the establishment of separate NPF branches "forming part of the armed forces of the Federation or for their protection of harbours, waterways, railways and airfields." One such branch,
4592-754: The early 1900s, part of the Royal Niger Company Constabulary became the Northern Nigeria Police, and part of the Niger Coast Constabulary became the Southern Nigeria Police. During the colonial period, most police were associated with local governments (native authorities). In the 1960s, under the First Republic, these forces were first regionalised and then nationalised. The Nigeria Police Force performed conventional police functions and
4674-485: The exercise of force than at community service functions or crime prevention, detection, and investigation. During the Regime of former head of state Olusegun Obasanjo , an attempt was made to expand the NPF by reducing the recruitment age from nineteen to seventeen and by enrolling demobilized soldiers, but it failed. In mid-1980 the then federal police minister acknowledged that the police had recovered only 14 percent of
4756-639: The killing of Colonel Ezra Dindam Rimdan ( Nigerian Army ) by police officers at a checkpoint in Lagos in September 1992, their arrest, a strike by police officers in response, and a subsequent crime wave. When the information about Rimdan's death and the police's complicity reached the army, soldiers were dispatched into the streets of Lagos in search of any and all police officers. The Nigerian police withdrew from checkpoints, security areas, and other points of interest for criminals; some police officers allegedly resigned while others fled for their lives. Due to
4838-467: The maintenance of law and order. He was supported at headquarters in Lagos by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and in each state by police commissioners. The 1979 constitution provided for a Police Service Commission that was responsible for NPF policy, organization, administration, and finance (except for pensions). The Police Council is composed of the President, all state Governors, the Chairman of
4920-475: The night of 20 October 2020, Nigerian Armed Forces shot at End SARS protesters at the Lekki toll gate in Lagos , Nigeria . The number of casualties is disputed, with witnesses and Amnesty International saying several people were shot dead while Nigerian authorities claim there were no fatalities but that 25 people were wounded. On 4 October 2020, Muhammed Adamu , inspector general of police (IGP), announced that
5002-429: The past. The extension of the jumbo increase to other public servants as opposed to the core civil servants, shot the entire wage bill to N267. 4 billion in year 2010. Based on this salary structure below are the details of salary per rank or grade of Nigerian Police officers. The Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari on 26 November 2018 approved a new salary structure, however
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#17327729232185084-552: The protestors to end the rogue police unit SARS and sent the recommendations of the House to the Federal Government. On 11 October, the Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu announced the disbandment of SARS on live television and said a new tactical team would be unveiled shortly. However, protests continued as Nigerians believed the announcement was just "audio talk" (Nigerian slang used to describe something that
5166-879: The protests gained more momentum and exposure in Abuja, protestors returned in the thousands to the Police Headquarters and once again were shot at with water cannons and live ammunition. Popular Twitter activist Aisha Yesufu was reportedly beaten by male police officers, and her car was damaged by police trucks chasing protestors in the streets of Abuja. Politicians and top government officials kept silent including presidential hopeful Bola Tinubu in Lagos, as police officers in Surulere shot and killed several protestors. Several young people were injured and their cars damaged, while others were brutalized by police officers in police stations. In total, eight people including
5248-719: The protests, which gave End SARS protestors added weight and support. Peaceful #EndSARS protestors in Abuja, the nation's capital, were attacked, beaten, and chased away by federal police officers, but protestors returned as they took the protests to the Police Force Headquarters. Several reports on international news outlets, including BBC Africa and Al-Jazeera , showed federal police tear-gassing protestors, shooting live ammunition, and using water cannons on them. On 9 October in Ogbomosho in Oyo State ,
5330-421: The public, to be fair and honest, and to avoid corrupt practices. In an effort to reduce bribery and to make identification of offenders easier, police officers on beats and at checkpoints were not allowed to carry more than N5 on their person. In September 2005, Nigeria withdrew 120 police officers serving in the United Nations Congo mission because of accusations that they had engaged in sexual abuses. The NPF
5412-473: The ranks of sergeant and inspector. The above three Directorates were renamed Departments. The Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) is the highest criminal investigation arm of the Nigeria Police NPF. The department is headed by a Deputy Inspector-General (DIG). Its primary functions include the investigation and prosecution of severe and complex criminal cases within and outside the Country. The department also coordinates crime investigations throughout
5494-476: The rising crime wave, such as 100 British Leyland DAF Comet trucks delivered in 1990 Despite these purchases, an NPF study in late 1990 concluded that the force's budget must double to meet its needs. Following the salary increase of 2010, the federal government under the leadership of Goodluck Jonathan extended the salary and allowance package to the military, paramilitary, police and intelligence community, who were not always covered by similar salary reviews in
5576-756: The stake holders, namely the police council with the President of Nigeria as chairman, all the governors of the Federating States of Nigeria , the Minister of Interior and the Inspector-General of Police as members to turn the police around and enable it to meet the challenges of the 21st century. The Nigeria Police Force operating budget between 1984 and 1988 remained in the N360 million to N380 million range, and in 1988 increased to N521 million. More notable were large capital expenditure infusions of N206 million in 1986 and N260.3 million in 1988, representing 3.5 and 2.5 percent of total federal capital expenditures in those years. These increases were used to acquire new communications equipment, transport, and weapons to combat
5658-421: The unit was operational. Plans were then put in place to prosecute some former SARS members for extortion, rape, and murder. Nigeria Police Force The Nigeria Police Force is the principal law enforcement and the lead security agency in Nigeria . It was designated by the 1999 constitution as the national police of Nigeria , with exclusive jurisdiction throughout the country. As at 2021, it had
5740-514: The unit would be renamed the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad, a new head of the unit would be appointed, and the provision of human rights desk officers to check reports. On 21 January 2019, IGP Mohammed Adamu ordered the immediate decentralization of SARS. The unit was centralized from the force headquarters in Abuja since its inception; the IGP also stated that the DIG of Force Criminal Investigations Department and Commissioners of Police in each state would be held accountable for actions of
5822-573: Was announced after the AFRC's acceptance of a report by Rear Admiral Murtala Nyako . In 1989 the Nigerian Police Force also created a Quick Intervention Force in each state, separate from the mobile police units, specifically to monitor political events and to quell unrest during the transition to civil rule. Each state unit of between 160 and 400 police was commanded by an assistant superintendent and equipped with vehicles, communications gear, weapons, and crowd control equipment, including cane shields, batons, and tear gas. A Federal Investigation Bureau (FIB)
5904-420: Was arrested after being filmed accepting a bribe from a motorist in Lagos. On 9 March 2020, two Nigeria Police Force officers from Lagos, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Adebayo Ojo and Sergeant Adeleke Mojisola were both arrested on charges of extorting a woman. On 11 April 2020, another Nigeria Police Force officer from Lagos, Inspector Taloju Martins, was arrested after being caught on camera exhorting
5986-552: Was chaired by the president; the chief of General Staff, the minister of internal affairs, and the police inspector general were members. As part of the government reorganization in September 1990, Alhajji Sumaila Gwarzo, formerly SSS director, was named to the new post of minister of state, police affairs. In September 2020, the Nigerian National Assembly passed the Police Reform Bill 2020, which
6068-469: Was composed of an administration unit headed by an assistant inspector general (AIG), and of budget and personnel units under commissioners. The Directorate of Logistics had four units—procurement, workshop/transport, supply, and work/maintenance—under AIGs. The zonal arrangements were retained. However, AIGs were authorized to transfer officers up to the rank of chief superintendent, to set up provost units, to deploy mobile units, and to promote officers between
6150-535: Was in fact arrested the killing. On 21 May 2020, Yahaha Adeshina, the Divisional Police Officer of Ilemba Hausa Division, was arresting for assisting Kehinde Elijah and Ezeh Joseph in the 10 May 2020 murder of sergeant Onalaja Onajide. Adeshina and the other shooters were wanted for "violent crimes." On 30 May 2020, two Lagos police officers were arrested for shooting to death a 16-year-old girl. On 31 July, Peter Ebah, an Inspector officer for
6232-399: Was removed from their SARS position and arrested on charges of murder. In 2009, after several years of operations, the squad grew in number and strength. Due to the increased presence of internet fraudsters and secret societies in Nigerian universities, SARS operatives infiltrated them and made several successful arrests, but in the process harassed innocent people. What SARS became was
6314-412: Was reported that the Nigerian Police Force's Rivers State Police Command arraigned former Sergeant Bitrus Osaiah in court for shooting to death his female colleague, Lavender Elekwachi, during a raid on street trading and illegal motor parks the previous week. Osaiah was dismissed as a police officer the previous day for killing Elekwachi, who also held the rank of a Sergeant. It was reported that Osaiah
6396-621: Was responsible for internal security generally; for supporting the prison, immigration, and customs services; and for performing military duties within or outside Nigeria as directed. Plans were announced in mid-1980 to expand the force to 200,000. By 1983, according to the federal budget, the strength of the NPF was almost 152,000, but other sources estimated it to be between 20,000 and 80,000. Presently, there are more than 1,300 police stations nationwide. Police officers were not usually armed but were issued weapons when required for specific missions or circumstances. They were often deployed throughout
6478-663: Was signed into law by Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on 16 September 2020. The new law, known as the Nigeria Police Act of 2020, repeals the Police Act Cap. P19. Laws of the Federation, 2004, and provides for a more effective and well-organized Police Force, driven by the principles of transparency and accountability in its operations and management of its resources. It also addresses the challenges of structuring, appointments, promotions, discipline, postings, living conditions, pension and retirement benefits of
6560-428: Was still ongoing as well. By October 2020, End SARS protestors alleged that Nigerian police officers were by now not adequately paid and, despite protesting police brutality , called for an increase in police salaries so they could be "adequately compensated for protecting lives and property of citizens" as one of their five demands. There have been reports of corruption and incessant violation of human rights by
6642-709: Was to be affiliated with Bayero University until adequate infrastructure was available for independent operation. Admission was to be regulated by merit, by the quota system, and by federal character. The commandant was to be at least an AIG and assisted by a provost who would oversee the academic program. Modeled after the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna , the NPA would offer a five-year academic and professional degree program for new cadets and an eighteen-month intensive course for college graduates aspiring to
6724-537: Was to be set up as the successor to the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation; three directorates were established for operations, administration, and logistics, each headed by a deputy inspector general. In February 1989, Ibrahim Babangida abolished the Police Service Commission and established the Nigeria Police Council in its stead, under direct presidential control The new council
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