Blood on the Streets: Rethinkig and Redeeming Nigeria Police Force from Ghost of Colonial Era
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By Chimaobi J N The recent killing of Oghenemine Ogidi in Effurun, Delta State by police officers has once again thrown a harsh spotlight on policing in Nigeria. It is a familiar story: a life lost, public outrage, official statements, and promises of investigation. Yet, beneath the headlines lies a deeper, more uncomfortable truth,these incidents are not isolated. They are symptoms of a system built on a flawed foundation Nigeria’s policing system cannot be fully understood without confronting its origins. The structure, culture, and operational philosophy of the Nigerian Police Force are deeply rooted in colonial history,a legacy that continues to shape its present-day challenges. To build an effective, accountable, and citizen-focused police system, Nigeria must move beyond this inherited framework and embrace a fundamental rethink of policing. Colonial Foundations Modern policing in Nigeria began under British colonial rule, not as a service to the people, but as an ins...