Amnesty International Director Slams Nigerian Police for Ongoing Brutality and Lack of Reform
Isa Sanusi, the Country Director of Amnesty International, has criticized the Nigerian Police for their continued abuse of power and failure to improve their relationship with citizens. In an interview with News Central on Tuesday, Sanusi stated that there has been no meaningful change in the way police personnel interact with Nigerians, citing persistent issues of extortion, torture, and violence by law enforcement.
Sanusi highlighted the alarming persistence of police brutality, even after the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a notorious unit known for its unprofessional conduct. Despite claims from the government that SARS had been officially dissolved, Sanusi accused the police of reintroducing the unit under a different guise, with heavily armed officers in civilian clothing still targeting young Nigerians.
“The police brutality is still ongoing,” Sanusi said. “When the government disbanded SARS, we hoped it was truly gone. Unfortunately, we are receiving reports that SARS is creeping back in through the back door. People are still being arrested by officers who operate in plain clothes, often using intimidating, commando-style tactics to detain young men, especially those who are well-dressed or have expensive phones.”
Sanusi pointed out that young, seemingly affluent Nigerians are often unjustly targeted by police simply because of their appearance, reflecting the endemic nature of police misconduct. He criticized the government’s efforts to address the issue, describing them as merely cosmetic and insincere. “All the promises made by the government and police about disbanding SARS are just window dressing. They are not a sincere attempt to resolve the problem,” he said.
The Amnesty International Director also condemned the ongoing practice of police extortion, where officers continue to demand money from citizens under duress. He pointed to the use of torture in police custody, where individuals are subjected to inhumane treatment in an effort to extract information or confessions, often under the guise of investigations.
Sanusi lamented the government’s failure to hold the police accountable for these widespread abuses, expressing frustration over the lack of effective reform within the force. He vowed that Amnesty International would continue to amplify the voices of Nigerian citizens who suffer at the hands of corrupt and unprofessional law enforcement.
“We receive reports of police brutality and extortion every single day,” Sanusi said. “It’s unfortunate that the Nigerian government is not listening to the concerns of young Nigerians and failing to address the root cause of this problem. But if the government does not act, I believe the youth will not give up in their fight for justice.”
Sanusi also criticized the use of police checkpoints as revenue-generating opportunities for officers, rather than as legitimate tools for ensuring public safety. “Police checkpoints should not be used to collect money. They are meant to protect citizens, not exploit them,” he added.
Finally, Sanusi called for a comprehensive reform of the Nigerian Police, urging the government to recruit officers with integrity and to ensure that law enforcement personnel are properly compensated. He emphasized the need for a reformed police force that truly serves the people of Nigeria, one that is committed to justice, accountability, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
“We must continue to push the government to do the right thing,” Sanusi concluded. “Reforming the police, paying officers fairly, and ensuring that only those with integrity are recruited is essential if the force is to regain the trust of the people and serve its intended purpose.”
