The Nigeria Police Force, which is tasked with protecting lives and property, upholding law and order, and maintaining public peace, is today plagued by a deep-seated crisis of public trust. Once envisioned as a friend and protector of the citizenry, the police have instead become a symbol of fear, brutality, and neglect for many Nigerians. The slogan “Police is your friend” rings hollow in the ears of countless Nigerians who have suffered or witnessed abuse at the hands of those meant to serve them.

The relationship between the police and the public in Nigeria is marked by widespread distrust and fear. Even before 2020, there were numerous reports of extortion, arbitrary arrests, harassment, and brutality. The 2020 #EndSARS protests were a stark reminder of how far the police have deviated from their constitutional role. Citizens—especially young people—took to the streets not just to demand the disbandment of SARS, but to call for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s policing system.

Arbitrary arrests and the extortion of young people have continued to become a common and troubling pattern of police misconduct. Across many Nigerian cities, especially Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Abuja, and Port Harcourt—young people are routinely stopped at checkpoints, forced to unlock their phones, and made to pay bribes or face detention. How do we explain the recent tragic case involving a secondary school student in Lagos who was reportedly shot by police while on his way to write his WAEC exams? This event has sparked nationwide outrage, with many demanding justice and accountability.

These incidents underscore a broader pattern of excessive force and lack of accountability within the Nigerian Police Force. The ongoing protests by citizens reflect a growing societal frustration with systemic issues in law enforcement, including the mistreatment of suspects and perceived complicity in criminal activities. These developments highlight the urgent need for comprehensive police reforms to restore public trust and ensure the protection of citizens’ rights.

The tragic irony is that the same police officers accused of abusing civilians are often victims of a failed system—underpaid, undertrained, and underequipped. Yet this does not excuse the violence and corruption that have permeated the Force; rather, it reflects a deeper institutional dysfunction that must be urgently addressed.

It is no secret that Nigeria currently operates under a policing system that is grossly underfunded, undertrained, and structurally flawed. Many police officers lack basic tools and motivation to perform effectively. Outdated equipment, insufficient salaries, lack of insurance, and poor welfare packages have left many in the force demoralized. In such conditions, expecting professionalism becomes unrealistic.

Moreover, the ratio of police to citizens remains critically low. With an estimated 371,800 officers serving over 200 million people, Nigeria falls far short of the United Nations’ recommended ratio of 222 officers per 100,000 citizens. This shortage limits the Force’s ability to respond effectively to crime, particularly in volatile regions grappling with insurgency and communal conflict. Unfortunately, the limited number of officers is often assigned to protect high-profile politicians and elites instead of serving the general population.

Even more concerning is the absence of strong accountability mechanisms, which has allowed impunity to thrive within the Force. Officers involved in misconduct are rarely disciplined, and victims are often denied justice. As a result, public trust has eroded to the point where many citizens now turn to social media advocates rather than report issues to the police.

While no system is perfect, and since Nigeria often attempts to model its democracy on that of the United States, it is my opinion that we should learn from the best practices of countries like the U.S. and other developed nations. Nigeria can adapt—not copy—these principles to suit its unique context.

The ongoing discussion around community policing must be taken seriously. In the U.S., community policing encourages partnership between the police and the communities they serve. It builds trust, promotes dialogue, and helps officers better understand local challenges.

Just like U.S. police officers who undergo rigorous, standardised training in law enforcement, de-escalation, and human rights, Nigeria must invest in modern training programs. These should go beyond basic drills and include ethics, psychological evaluation, and conflict resolution. The recruitment process must also be thorough. The indiscriminate hiring of unqualified individuals only worsens an already dire situation.

How do we explain the support system in the U.S., where police officers are often seen assisting citizens in distress—helping with broken-down vehicles or responding swiftly to emergency calls through services like 911?

The Nigeria Police Force stands at a crossroads. The disconnect between the police and the public has never been wider, and the consequences are dire—not just for public safety but for national unity. The situation worsens when the system fails to provide a conducive working environment for officers who are tasked with ensuring the safety of the people. Even more troubling is the stark contrast between the impoverished lives of average citizens and the flamboyant lifestyles of politicians.

Nigeria needs to establish a framework that holds officers accountable for misconduct, and introduce digital tools such as record-keeping systems, crime mapping, and modern surveillance. The country’s policing must evolve to embrace technology, transparency, and citizen-focused service delivery.

To restore trust in the Nigeria Police Force, the government must make substantial investments in infrastructure, provide decent salaries, and equip officers with modern tools. More importantly, life insurance, healthcare, and pension benefits must be accessible to reduce desperation and promote morale.

In conclusion, there is a need to strengthen community engagement to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. Civic education must be ongoing, supported by policy innovations that enlighten both officers and civilians about their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society.

It is time to redefine what it means for the police to be a “friend” of the people—not in slogans, but in action. Only then can Nigerians begin to rebuild the trust so urgently needed for peace and progress.
Macaulay wrote from Dallas, Texas, U.S.