On February 26, 2024, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) dismissed one of three officers involved in the extortion of $3,000 from two Nigerians.

The officer, Michael Odey, a police inspector, was dismissed after Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Alifa Omata, of Zone 16, Bayelsa State,  upheld the recommendation of the Rivers State command. The dismissal was announced by Rivers State police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko.

Odey was one of the three officers recommended for dismissal by the Rivers State Command after being found guilty of extorting $3,000. The others involved were Doubara Edonyabo and Talent Mungo, both Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASPs). When asked why the two others had not been dismissed, Mrs. Iringe-Koko explained that their higher ranks as ASPs meant that their dismissal required approval from the Inspector General of Police and the Police Service Commission to ensure a fair and just resolution.

A 2024 report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) titled ‘Corruption in Nigeria: Patterns and Trends’ shows that the police rank high among the corruptible public officials.  The survey data suggest that one out of two male police officers (46 per cent) engage in bribery when interacting with the public, while  one out of three female police officers (28 per cent) behave similarly. Aside public perception, the police also deals with internal administrative issue that impedes the quality of work. In July, the Force dismissed a corporal, Buba Adamu, for refusing to report to his new post in Kaduna State. The spokesperson for the Cross River Police Command, SP Irene Ugbo, disclosed this during a press briefing in Calabar, the state capital.

Adamu had been transferred from Cross River Command to Kaduna nine years ago but failed to report to his new post. The corporal was also said to have promoted himself to the rank of superintendent and operated illegal activities in Calabar until he was caught and arrested. Despite these dismissals, often linked to a lack of integrity and accountability, corruption remains a persistent issue within the NPF, hindering its smooth operation.

A report published by Ecos Intelligence titled “Nigeria Police Force Faces Funding Scandal: N15,000 Allocation for 3 Months Sparks Corruption Concerns” put forwards that lack of funding breeds corruption in the force.  The story alleged that divisional police headquarters receive inadequate or no budgetary allocation, compelling officers to rely on unofficial sources, including bail payments, to meet operational needs. The NPF has, however, refuted these claims, describing the report as “fake, misleading, and inaccurate” and suggesting it may be the work of an “impostor” posing as a Divisional Police Officer to discredit the Force.

The police did acknowledge that there is a funding challenge. “While we acknowledge that inadequate funding has long been a challenge for the police, the current government has demonstrated commitment to increasing funding to enhance operations and improve policing capabilities and overall effectiveness. The funding situation, in recent times, has begun to show notable improvement with promising prospects for further enhancement in the upcoming year,” the police stated. 

In the 2023 ranking of the World Internal Security and Police Index (WISPI), Nigeria was the fourth worst performing country in the world. Nigeria scored poorly across all four domains, which are capacity, process, legitimacy, and outcomes. Despite this abysmal data within Nigeria’s defence and security sectors, there are officers like Kalyem Kognet who have fought to uphold values while carrying out their duties.

Kalyem Kognet, an inspector currently serving at the State Police Headquarters on Ashaka Road, Gombe, had numerous opportunities to engage in corruption but consistently chose to do the right thing.

In an interview, the Integrity Icon shared how he was indiscriminately transferred for refusing to engage in corruption and was eventually reinstated and has received several national honours after the incident.

“I have been a civil servant for the past 20 years with the Nigerian Police Force, Kognet said. 

“I work in the intelligence department, which is a very sensitive area.

“We do operate as transparently as possible so we can answer higher authorities when required and minimize corrupt practices that exist in the organization.

He continued, “During the course of my duty, I have encountered all kinds of people—good, bad, and ugly. Some of these individuals who have broken the law often have connections with higher authorities who try to manipulate the system to their advantage.

“My refusal to partake in such actions once led to my transfer to another state, but I stood by the truth and was reinstated.” Kognet has earned three awards of excellence for his commitment to integrity. He recounted an incident where a woman whose phone had been stolen sought police assistance. 

“The usual police routine is to collect N,1500 to begin an investigation regardless of whether they are able to track the phone or not. The money is non-refundable, but I asked her to keep her money and pay when we retrieve the phone, and she was shocked and grateful. A few days later she came for her phone.”

A research paper titled Police Corruption in Nigeria: A Perspective on its Nature and Control emphasizes the need for value reorientation within the police force. It argues that corruption has become systemic, with new recruits being socialized into it. It noted that “in training, institutions of the force, ethical behaviour, and decision should be rewarded, promoted, and applauded because failing to make officers aware of the consequences of corruption will only serve to encourage it.”

Positive examples, like that of Kalyem Kognet, serve as important role models for new recruits, encouraging value reorientation within the force.

The paper also suggests that improving welfare packages for police officers would help ensure higher levels of job satisfaction and contentment. President Tinubu echoed this sentiment during an event where he was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima. He emphasized that for the police force to perform its essential role in safeguarding the nation, the welfare of officers must be prioritized. 

“A satisfied and well-cared-for police officer is essential to ensuring the safety and security of our people,” he stated.

This report is championed by Accountability Lab Nigeria and sponsored by the John D. and Catherine D. MacArthur Foundation and Luminate.