- The Nigerian Police Force urged citizens to appreciate their ongoing efforts in tackling crime, despite challenges in apprehending all criminals simultaneously
- Spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi emphasized the need for collective action against insecurity, responding to public concerns about bandits flaunting ransom money
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has responded to criticism from Nigerians demanding a crackdown on criminals, particularly after images surfaced online showing suspected bandits flaunting large sums of money believed to be ransom payments from kidnappings.
Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the NPF, addressed the issue in a post on X (formerly Twitter), explaining that it is not feasible to apprehend all criminal elements in the country simultaneously. He urged Nigerians to recognize and appreciate the efforts already being made by the police and other security forces.
“We can’t apprehend all the criminals at once. At least, appreciate us for the ones we have arrested. We arrest them daily, in large numbers,” Adejobi wrote. “The armed forces and the police are trying their best. Efforts of security forces should be seen, noticed, and appreciated. We must look towards collective efforts and individualistic involvement in tackling insecurity and other vices in Nigeria.”
The response was prompted by an X user who posted images of suspected terrorists displaying bundles of naira notes, reportedly obtained from kidnapping operations. The user expressed concern over the brazen display of the proceeds of crime, stating, “They are now posing with the ransom money. Showing that they are balling.”
The Force PRO’s comments sparked reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many questioning the effectiveness of the police in tracking and apprehending such criminals.
One user, @smartakukoma, commented, “So kidnapping and banditry can’t be tracked in 2 hours, but Cyber stalking can. Mr Police Officer, you are not being truthful to your job. There’s something you all are not telling us.”
Another user, @symplyDAPO, expressed disappointment, saying, “With all due respect, you guys are not doing much when it comes to this terrorist. You mean you can’t trace their phone calls or money transfer.”
Other users also criticized the police for their perceived lack of action in combating banditry, with some questioning why the same level of intelligence used to prevent protests isn’t applied to tracking bandits.
Despite the criticism, some users acknowledged the Force PRO’s active engagement on social media, with @BN_officially noting, “Well on a more positive note, at least you’re active on social media and fairly reachable.”