PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AMONG OUR SECURITY PERSONNEL
By Tochukwu Jimo Obi
The alarming rate of professional misconduct among some security personnel in Nigeria is one that needs to be urgently addressed head on. Security agencies are established to protect lives and property, enforce the law and promote public safety. Unfortunately, the unethical conduct of a few officers has continued to undermine public confidence and diminish the reputation of institutions that should ordinarily command the respect and trust of Nigerians.
Every now and then, citizens are tortured, extorted, threatened and, in some cases, killed or left with permanent injuries by security personnel who ought to be protecting them. These disturbing incidents not only violate the fundamental rights of innocent citizens but also weaken the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they are meant to serve. Such actions have no place in a democratic society governed by the rule of law.
Chief amongst the complaints involve some police personnel who act unprofessionally and unethically in the discharge of their duties. While the Nigeria Police Force has many disciplined and dedicated officers who risk their lives daily to protect the nation, the misconduct of a few has continued to overshadow the sacrifices of these hardworking men and women. This unfortunate situation has contributed to growing public distrust of the police.
In the past week alone, two serious incidents involving police personnel were reported. The first was the alleged extortion of ₦53,000 from the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja by four policemen reportedly operating an illegal roadblock. The second involved another police team along the Lagos Ibadan Expressway. Incidents such as these are one too many and are fast becoming a national embarrassment that demands decisive action.
Despite these concerns, commendation should be given to the Inspector General of Police, Tunde Disu, for the reforms he has continued to implement and for consistently taking disciplinary action against erring personnel. Holding officers accountable for acts of misconduct sends a strong message that corruption, abuse of power and indiscipline will not be tolerated within the Nigeria Police Force.
Many of our police officers still require continuous retraining on professionalism, ethical conduct, respect for human rights and the need to shun corruption. Law enforcement officers must always remember that every citizen deserves to be treated with dignity and fairness. Professional policing is measured not only by crime fighting but also by respect for the rights and liberties of the people.
One important aspect that should be urgently addressed is the deployment of body worn cameras for security personnel. Across the world, law enforcement officers wear body cameras fitted with real time recording and transmission capabilities during operations. This technology has become an effective tool for promoting transparency, accountability and professionalism in policing.
The use of body worn cameras is not only intended to monitor the conduct of security personnel but also to protect them against false accusations by providing objective evidence of every encounter. Commendation should equally be given to the management of the Federal Road Safety Corps, whose field personnel increasingly operate with these body worn cameras. The initiative has helped to reduce altercations with members of the public while significantly minimising corrupt practices during road operations.
It is therefore important that the Federal Government, through the leadership of all security agencies, provides operational personnel with body worn cameras and strengthens ongoing reforms through regular training, effective supervision and strict disciplinary measures. Such steps will undoubtedly improve professional conduct, enhance respect for human rights, restore public confidence and ensure that our security personnel truly serve as protectors of the people and faithful enforcers of the law.