Human Rights Lawyer and Activist, Deji Adeyanju, has urged President Bola Tinubu to address growing reports of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) being used to settle personal scores and intimidate private citizens.

He also urged the President to address reports of a lack of adequate welfare, modern equipment, proper housing, and fair remuneration of police officers, which resulted in the recent police protest in the country.

Adeyanju, in an open letter to the President, said that the men and women who serve in the police force continue to operate under conditions that are nothing short of inhumane, lamenting that the morale of the average police man is low, and yet are still expected to perform optimally.

He further urged Tinubu to address reports of nepotism, favouritism and ethnic promotions above competence, maintaining that under the watch of the current Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Force has become increasingly compromised by a pattern of conduct that has brought the institution into disrepute.

He stated: “With utmost respect for the office you occupy, I write to draw your attention to the deepening rot within the NPF, which, if left unchecked, threatens to completely erode public trust and destroy the very institution meant to protect us all.

“Under the watch of the current IGP, the Force has become increasingly compromised by a pattern of conduct that has brought the institution into disrepute. The NPF has become personalised and weaponised, with growing reports of the Force being used to settle personal scores and intimidate private citizens.”

He noted that the civic space has shrunk under a climate of fear, adding that peaceful expression, association, and lawful dissent are now treated with suspicion or outright hostility by an institution that should protect these freedoms.

MEANWHILE, NPF has expressed worry over a growing trend of lobbying and unofficial appeals by some officers seeking special promotions.

The Force has also cautioned the public to disregard misleading reports being circulated online about the promotion process within the police system.

This warning comes in the wake of the recent accelerated promotion exercise that saw several officers elevated for their exceptional service, bravery, and professionalism.

According to the Force, the promoted officers met all established criteria under a structured reward system aimed at recognising merit and dedication to duty.

In a statement issued yesterday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF made it clear that the recent promotions were not arbitrary, nor do they indicate the launch of a widespread or indiscriminate promotion scheme.