Police Crack Down on Checkpoint Extortion as IGP Egbetokun Orders Disciplinary Action

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has once again reiterated its unwavering stance against extortion and unprofessional conduct by its officers, following the emergence of a viral video that captured police personnel extorting motorists along the Benin bypass. In a swift response, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered immediate disciplinary action against the implicated officers, emphasizing the Force’s commitment to integrity and accountability.

The incident, which gained traction on social media on Monday, sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians who have grown increasingly frustrated with reports of routine extortion by law enforcement agents. The video, reportedly filmed by a commuter, showed a group of police officers engaging in acts of bribery at a checkpoint. This prompted a firm response from the Force Headquarters in Abuja.

El-Rufai Declares Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election Bid “Impossible” Amid Economic Woes

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP described the conduct of the officers involved as “shameful, distasteful, and utterly unacceptable.” The officers—six in total, including a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) who supervised the team—were immediately summoned to the Force Headquarters to face disciplinary measures.

“Following the circulation of a viral video showing acts of extortion by police officers along the Benin bypass, the Nigeria Police Force, in line with its zero-tolerance policy on extortion and unprofessional conduct, has taken immediate action,” the statement read. Upon arrival at headquarters, the officers were paraded before the IGP and subsequently subjected to formal disciplinary procedures. The Inspectors captured in the video have already begun facing orderly room trials, a process that determines internal sanctions for police misconduct.

The IGP made it clear that this level of unprofessionalism tarnishes the image of the Police Force and undermines public confidence in law enforcement. “The actions of these officers are a disgrace to the Force and contradict everything the Nigeria Police stands for,” Egbetokun stated.

In line with standard procedure, the affected officers have been issued queries as part of the investigation process. The outcomes of the ongoing orderly room trials will guide the sanctions imposed, which may include suspension, dismissal, or prosecution, depending on the severity of their misconduct.

The Nigeria Police has been under increasing pressure to rid its ranks of corruption and restore credibility. Checkpoint extortion remains one of the most persistent complaints from Nigerian road users, with many alleging that some officers routinely demand bribes under various pretexts, such as incomplete vehicle documents or minor traffic offenses. These extortionate practices not only exploit citizens but also erode trust in the police as a public institution.

This latest move by the IGP is part of a broader initiative aimed at reforming the Force and re-establishing a culture of professionalism. In recent months, the leadership of the Nigeria Police has introduced several measures to curb misconduct, including public education campaigns, the establishment of a complaint response unit, and the deployment of body cameras in select units.

Adejobi reassured the public of the Force’s commitment to enforcing discipline among its ranks. “The public is assured that such misconduct will not be tolerated under any guise, and appropriate sanctions will be meted out in line with established disciplinary procedures,” he said.

While the decisive action against the erring officers has been widely welcomed, many Nigerians remain skeptical about the long-term impact of such measures. Human rights advocates argue that for real change to occur, the internal disciplinary process must be transparent and consistently enforced. Furthermore, they call for independent oversight mechanisms to ensure accountability beyond the police hierarchy.

Despite these concerns, the swift response by IGP Egbetokun offers a glimmer of hope for reform-minded citizens who seek a more ethical and responsive police system. It also serves as a warning to officers across the country that misconduct will no longer be swept under the rug.

As the Nigeria Police Force continues to battle widespread allegations of corruption and abuse, it remains to be seen whether this zero-tolerance approach will mark a turning point in its long-troubled relationship with the Nigerian public. For now, the disciplinary process initiated in this high-profile extortion case will serve as a litmus test for the Force’s sincerity in upholding justice and professional standards.