Mohamed Garba
The Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) of the Nigeria Police, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has appealed to Nigerians to avoid blanket condemnation of the police, urging citizens to distinguish between isolated misconduct and the larger institution.
His comments came in response to a viral post by an X.com user, @torty_mercy, who lashed out at the force, writing: “I hate the Nigerian police! I can’t even say it as it is in my heart! I hate those monsters!”
Addressing the frustration on Sunday via his official X.com handle, Adejobi urged for a more measured response, saying:
“Don’t condemn the police force. Don’t hate the Nigeria Police Force and its officers. You can dislike the attitudes or misconduct of a very few ones. When you meet many of the officers of the force, you will love them and appreciate the force better.”
The FPRO acknowledged the existence of rogue officers but insisted they were a minority who do not represent the values of the entire police force.
“We agree that we have a few recalcitrant individuals, and these ones are very infinitesimal; and they can still be reformed to be good ambassadors of the force,” he stated.
Adejobi emphasized that while accountability remains essential, outright hatred undermines the collective efforts being made toward reform. He called on the public to join hands with the police in transforming the system.
“We need to collectively work together to reform the police, not to condemn the noble profession,” he added.
His response has sparked fresh debate around policing in Nigeria, with citizens expressing mixed views. While some echoed Adejobi’s call for reform and constructive criticism, others maintained that deep-seated issues within the force demand more decisive action than appeals for understanding.
Nonetheless, the FPRO’s message signals an ongoing effort by police leadership to rebuild trust and reframe public perception—by encouraging Nigerians to see the institution not just through the lens of its flaws, but through its potential for change.
