Matilda Omonaiye/
A group known as the Uniform Intel Network has raised concerns over what it described as the growing humiliation, harassment and physical assault of Nigerian police officers and other uniformed personnel by civilians across the country.
In a strongly worded statement addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector-General of Police and other relevant authorities, the group lamented what it called a dangerous culture of public disrespect against officers carrying out lawful duties.
The group alleged that many police officers are now routinely insulted, physically confronted, provoked and secretly recorded by civilians seeking social media attention.
According to the statement, some officers have been subjected to public embarrassment, including having their uniforms dragged, torn and squeezed by angry civilians during confrontations.
The Uniform Intel Network argued that while misconduct by security personnel should be condemned and punished, civilians should also be held accountable for assaulting or obstructing law enforcement officers.
“The Nigeria Police Force is not perfect. There are indeed bad eggs within the system, and nobody supports misconduct, corruption, extortion, brutality, or abuse of power. However, correcting bad officers should never become an excuse for civilians to destroy the dignity of all officers,” the statement read.
The group questioned why complaints against police officers often attract swift disciplinary actions, while alleged attacks and humiliation suffered by officers from civilians receive little institutional response.
It warned that the continuous public ridicule of officers could weaken morale within the security system and pose long-term dangers to national security.
The organisation noted that police personnel daily risk their lives during elections, riots, emergencies and anti-crime operations, yet are increasingly becoming targets of online criticism and physical confrontation.
It further cautioned that failure by government and security authorities to address the situation could discourage officers from fully committing themselves to public safety duties.
“This is not a threat, but a serious warning and emotional cry from concerned voices who have watched officers suffer physical attacks, emotional trauma, public disgrace, and institutional neglect repeatedly without proper intervention,” the statement added.
The group called on the Presidency, the National Assembly, the Ministry of Justice, the Inspector-General of Police and human rights organisations to urgently intervene and ensure equal protection for both civilians and security personnel.
It stressed that respect for human rights and law enforcement institutions must be mutual, warning that no society can maintain peace and order when security officers are constantly ridiculed and publicly disgraced.
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