The issue begins with a simple but powerful question: Why are some police officers acting out of character, resorting to violence, and even killing innocent citizens? Yet the Nigerian Police force still retains them and treats their action without punishment reasons Many are getting into such acts without fear of anything.

The answer often lies in substance abuse, primarily drug addiction. Many officers, under the influence of hard drugs, lose their moral compass, become reckless, and develop a berserk mentality. This addiction can be attributed to the overwhelming pressures of their job, lack of proper mental health support, poor welfare, low ethics of the job, lack of accountability,  and the endemic corruption within the force. You see, these police officers become a threat to the lives they are supposed to protect, treating their citizens like animals, no longer as humans.

Flimsy Excuses and Brutality

Many of these officers justify their violent actions with trivial reasons—such as stopping citizens, motorists for N20, N50, N100, or even N100,000 bribe—and when demands are refused, they resort to brutality or willful killing. It is tragic but true that in Nigeria, refusal or inability to pay bribes can turn into deadly consequences. Entire communities now live in fear of police brutality, which has sadly become part of our cultural exchange—an unspoken norm that needs urgent attention.

The Dangerous Role of Guns and Substance Abuse

Handling firearms while under the influence of drugs increases the danger. An intoxicated officer is likely to misfire, escalate situations unnecessarily, or become unpredictable in their use of violence. This not only jeopardises their own lives but also puts innocent citizens at grave risk. Many Nigerians have been killed by accidentally discharged bullets. When police officers are addicted to drugs, it erodes the discipline and professionalism expected of them, transforming them from protectors into predators.

Lack of Accountability and Its Role in Fostering Evil

One of the most pressing issues is the Nigerian Police Force’s persistent failure to take responsibility for these actions. Instead of resolving the problem through internal discipline, timely intervention, or rehabilitation, holding the officer accountable, there is often a cover-up or outright denial. This lack of accountability has emboldened rogue officers, making brutality and drug abuse systemic rather than isolated cases. It’s a vicious cycle that dehumanises citizens and diminishes trust in law enforcement.

The Way Forward: Solutions and Reforms

Addressing police drug addiction and brutality requires comprehensive and sustained efforts:

1. Rigorous Screening and Regular Drug Tests: The police force should implement strict and random drug testing to identify and rehabilitate addicted officers immediately.
2. Rehabilitation and Counselling Programs: Instead of dismissing officers caught abusing drugs, the force must invest in mental health and addiction treatment programs.
3. Accountability and Justice: Robust mechanisms should be established to handle complaints against police officers swiftly and transparently. Officers involved in brutality or drug abuse must face appropriate sanctions.
4. Community Engagement and Transparency: Building trust requires open dialogue between police and communities. Citizens should be empowered to report misconduct without fear of reprisal.
5. Training and Discipline: Regular sensitisation on professionalism, ethics, and human rights should be mandatory for all officers.
6. Policy and Structural Reforms: The Nigerian government must prioritise reforms that de-emphasise corruption and promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and service.

Police drug addiction and brutality in Nigeria are symptoms of deeper issues—poverty, corruption, poor mental health support, and systemic decay. If we are serious about turning the tide, tackling these problems head-on and implementing meaningful reforms is crucial. The future of Nigeria depends on a police force that is disciplined, sober, and committed to protecting its citizens, not one that terrorises them under the influence of drugs and impunity.

Let’s open our eyes and demand accountability, reform, and genuine change. Only then can Nigeria hope for a safer, fairer society where justice prevails over corruption and addiction.