The Kaduna State Police Command has ordered a full-scale investigation into officers allegedly captured extorting money from motorists and cyclists during a stop-and-search operation in a suburb of Millennium City.
The investigation follows a viral video circulating on social media, which purportedly shows the officers demanding money from road users during the operation.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying the Commissioner of Police, CP Rabiu Muhammad, had directed that the officers involved be identified and invited for questioning.
Hassan said any officer found culpable would be appropriately sanctioned.
“The Command wishes to clarify that routine roadblocks and stop-and-search operations have been curtailed, except where there is credible intelligence on the movement of criminals, arms, or other prohibited items,” the statement said.
However, the command noted that the location featured in the video had previously been used by criminal elements.
According to Hassan, the area is a suburb of Millennium City and was along the same route where police operatives previously recovered 20 AK-47 rifles.
The police spokesperson stressed that no officer was authorised to use legitimate security duties as an avenue for extortion, harassment or any other form of misconduct.
He added that officers found guilty after investigation would face severe disciplinary and legal action.
The Commissioner also commended members of the public for remaining vigilant and encouraged residents to continue reporting cases of unprofessional conduct by police officers.
The video has since generated reactions on social media, with several users alleging that motorists and commercial transport operators are frequently subjected to similar extortion by police officers.
An Instagram user, @almu.stapha0012, wrote: “Come to bypass and see something… extorting tricyclist every goddamn day and they are fully dressed.”
Another user, @edmund_onoriode, said the alleged conduct was not limited to Kaduna, writing that “this shenanigans by your men happen all over the country.”
Similarly, @vivianokugo2024 claimed that such incidents were common across Nigeria, saying her father had experienced a similar situation recently.
Another commenter, @sussy_lords, alleged that increasing police salaries would not necessarily eliminate the practice, while @kingdozi_ questioned the need for an investigation when the alleged conduct had been captured on video.
The Kaduna State Police Command said it remained committed to professional policing, accountability and protecting the rights and safety of residents across the state.
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