Violence against the Nigeria Police Force: Causes and Consequences

Introduction.

In recent time, following the events of the ENDSARS protest in 2020, the escalation of violence against law enforcement officers, specifically the killing and molestation of policemen tasked with upholding law and order, has emerged as a significant concern.  This new wave of violence against the police significantly impacts the effectiveness of law enforcement, public safety, and internal security. Numerous officers have died as a result of an increase in attacks in recent years, which have included ambushes, murders, and damage to police infrastructure. 

A recent study revealed that between 2009 and 2022, a total of 930 cases of police fatalities resulting from terrorist attacks were recorded (Ojedokun, Balogun, Mijinyawa and Bolujoko, 2024). Additionally, between January and March 2021, at least 13 police officers died in 11 attacks by gunmen in the South East (BBC News, 2021).

These attacks, orchestrated by criminals and extremist groups, underscore the pressing need to address the security challenges facing the NPF. The need to reflect on this new wave of violence is underscored by the fact that while discussions and academic debates often focus on police brutality which deals with the incidences of violence melted against the civilian populace by the law enforcement officers, it is equally essential to explore the consequences of violence directed against the police on the overall performance and effectiveness of the force.

Violence against the police has far-reaching consequences not only for the officers who experience it but also for the management of internal security in Nigeria. This article basically argues that there is need to focus attention to this emerging trend of violence that poses serious threat to internal security in Nigeria. 

Perspectives on Brutality against the Police

There exists a considerable volume of literature addressing the topic of police brutality and violence; however, there is a paucity of literature pertaining to brutality perpetrated against law enforcement officers. This imbalance in coverage is partly attributed to the widespread acceptance, both by the police and the public, of the inherent danger and the risk of injury or death as an occupational hazard in law enforcement.

While it is understandable that such risks are perceived as intrinsic to the job, it is essential to comprehensively assess the extent of violence against the police and explore alternative explanations for these hostile acts. Brutality against the police is a complex and multifaceted issue that can be viewed from various perspectives. Police officers often face dangerous situations and high-stress environments, which can lead to confrontations. 

Factors Driving Violence Against the Police in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the issue of violence against the police is multifaceted and stems from a complex interplay of socio-economic disparities, political tensions, historical legacies, and organizational challenges. Some of the driving factors could be summarized as follows:

Historical and Political Factors: Since colonial times, when the police were viewed as an instrument of oppression, there has been a tense relationship between the Nigerian populace and law enforcement. Traditional law enforcement institutions were superseded by Western policing techniques, leaving a legacy of distrust.

Public trust was further eroded when Nigeria attained independence since police were still linked to corruption, authoritarianism, and violations of human rights. Public discontent has been made worse by corruption in the Nigerian police force, which includes extortion, bribery, and power abuse.

Violence might result from the public’s hostile perception of law enforcement. Anger is also exacerbated by Nigeria’s sluggish and inefficient legal system, which leads many residents to take matters into their own hands since they feel justice is not being served.

Socio-Economic Factors

Nigeria’s extreme poverty and inequality, especially in underprivileged areas, exacerbate resentment and rage. A common perception of the police is that they uphold an unfair system that incites violence. Young people in Nigeria who are unemployed or underemployed make up a sizable section of the population and are irritated by the lack of options.

The police are often the target of this annoyance, especially when they are thought to be dishonest or violent. While some people become radicalised by terrorist organizations like Boko Haram, others resort to criminal activity, such as kidnapping or armed robbery, as a means of surviving.

As demonstrated in Anambra State in 2021 and ongoing turmoil in the region, attacks on police officers and stations have resulted from socioeconomic grievances and political unrest, including the actions of organisations like the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In addition to reflecting larger socioeconomic dissatisfaction, the 2020 #EndSARS rallies, which demanded an end to police brutality, also led to violent altercations with police, further widening the gap between the public and law enforcement.

Psychological and Cultural Factors

Due to numerous, media-exaggerated claims of corruption and abuse, the public’s opinion of the Nigerian police is mainly unfavourable. Because of this unfavourable perception, the public does not feel sorry for cops who are attacked, and in certain situations, they even endorse such acts of violence.

Attacks on law enforcement are justified by extremist organizations such as Boko Haram, who see police as accomplices of a corrupt government and enemies of Islam. Because insurgents take advantage of local complaints and use police misconduct as a recruitment technique, the northeast insurgency serves as an illustration of how psychological and cultural variables contribute to violence against police.

Organizational and Institutional Factors

Nigerian police personnel frequently endure subpar working conditions, low pay, and insufficient supplies, training, and equipment. Their efficacy and morale are weakened by these difficulties, which increases their susceptibility to attacks. Aggressive police that incite public violence are caused by a lack of training in human rights and conflict de-escalation. Police officers are put in much greater danger since they usually work without sufficient backup or support, especially in rural areas.

Impact of Violence on the Nigerian Police Force.  

A complex interaction of historical, socioeconomic, psychological, and organizational variables leads to violence against the police in Nigeria. Improving police-community ties, strengthening training, combating corruption, and addressing more general socioeconomic problems like unemployment and poverty are all necessary components of a complete strategy to handle this problem. Developing plans to lessen police violence and enhance public safety in Nigeria requires an understanding of these processes.

The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), its officers, and society are all severely impacted by brutality. Police morale and job satisfaction are significantly impacted by the ongoing violence, which includes ambushes and murders. Particularly following incidents like the #EndSARS protests, in which numerous police stations were demolished and policemen felt singled out, cops frequently work in terror, feeling exposed and unprotected. Demoralization results from this lack of support, which lowers proactive policing and jeopardizes their duty commitment.

Furthermore, psychological stress brought on by frequent exposure to violence causes disorders including burnout, depression, and PTSD. Officers’ performance and personal life are impacted by these mental health issues, which also have an impact on decision-making, discipline, and emotional control.

This lowers the standard of police and makes it harder for cops to handle stressful situations. The continuous violence also seriously undermines public trust. Tensions can rise and the cycle of police brutality can be sustained when officers become defensive and less approachable, further alienating the public. 

Because of this mistrust, communities and law enforcement have a worse relationship, and citizens are turning more and more to vigilante groups and other alternative forms of security. Another effect is operational inefficiency, as officials may feel reluctant to carry out their responsibilities if they are constantly threatened.

Police efficacy and reaction rates have significantly decreased in areas like Borno, where Boko Haram has regularly targeted police, which has increased criminal activity. The police force’s ability to uphold law and order is further diminished by the loss of life, property, and resources during violent conflicts, like those that took place during the #EndSARS demonstrations. This feeds the cycle of violence and jeopardises public safety.

Strategies for Addressing the Menace of Violence against the Police

Restoring public safety, upholding law and order, and restoring community trust in the police all depend on addressing violence against the Nigerian Police Force (NPF). Officers are put in danger, their morale is damaged, effective policing is hampered, and violence and instability are sustained when they are subjected to brutality. A holistic approach is required, with an emphasis on institutional improvement, capacity building, community involvement, and policy reforms.

To protect officers’ rights and prevent violence, accountability structures and legal safeguards must be put in place first. Public trust can be increased and brutality can be decreased by enforcing explicit policies on police operations, including the use of force. Second, it is crucial to receive specialized training in human rights, conflict resolution, and modern policing. Programs should focus on de-escalation tactics and offer cops who are exposed to violence psychological help.

Officer morale and job satisfaction can be raised by enhancing their welfare through improved working circumstances, financial incentives, safety gear, and possibilities for career progression. Furthermore, utilizing technology like drones, CCTV, and data analytics can improve intelligence-led policing and prevent officer attacks. Additionally, community informants and real-time digital platforms can enhance threat detection and event response.

Conclusion

The violence against the Nigerian Police Force has serious implications for the management of internal security across the country. It not only diminishes the morale and efficiency of police officers, but also undermines the fundamental role of the police in maintaining public safety and order.

When officers are subjected to violence, threats, and attacks, their motivation to perform their duties effectively is significantly reduced. Tensions and violence can be reduced by encouraging community policing and developing closer relationships between the police and the general people. Nigeria’s internal security management can be strengthened even more by implementing international best practices and working together with foreign organisations.

Nigeria can increase public trust, make the environment safer and more stable for everyone, and strengthen the professionalism and resiliency of its police force by putting these steps into practice. This strategy will guarantee that the state can continue to handle changing security threats. 

Author:

Prof Ikenna Aluomona

Senior Visiting Fellow

Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership