Why Police reform failed in Nigeria

Introduction: The Unfulfilled Promise of Police Reform in Nigeria

In October 2020, Nigeria witnessed a seismic shift as protesters mobilized under the #EndSARS banner, demanding an end to police brutality and systemic injustice. The rapid disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) followed by the introduction of its successor, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), marked a fleeting moment of hope. Yet, five years later, Nigeria’s policing crisis remains unresolved. This article dissects the structural, political, and historical barriers that have perpetuated failed reforms, offering insights into why lasting police accountability remains elusive.

Analysis: Why Police Reform Fails in Nigeria

Nigeria’s struggle with police reform is rooted in systemic challenges dating back to the colonial era. Below, we break down the critical factors hindering progress.

Colonial Legacy and Authoritarian Policing

The Nigerian police force was established during British colonial rule, designed to suppress dissent rather than protect citizens. Historical frameworks prioritized state control over community welfare, a legacy reflected in today’s authoritarian practices. While the Police Act 2020 introduced progressive principles like due process and human rights adherence, implementation remains superficial. As scholar Okechukwu Nwanguma notes, “The system is structurally geared toward state protection, not citizen rights.”

Political Interference and Appointment Bias

The Police Council, meant to guide policy, rarely convenes, with the president appointing Inspectors-General based on loyalty rather than merit. This politicization undermines professionalism, fostering a culture of impunity. Corrupt recruitment practices further dilute accountability, embedding unqualified officers into the force.

Underfunding and Welfare Neglect

Chronic budget shortages force officers to rely on bribes from citizens for basic operational costs. Weak welfare systems—marked by poor housing, inadequate healthcare, and low wages—fuel disillusionment. Disconnected officers lack incentives to uphold ethical standards, perpetuating a cycle of abuse.

Weak Oversight Mechanisms

Institutions like the Complaints Response Unit (CRU) and Police Service Commission (PSC) lack enforcement power. Despite documented brutality at the Lekki Tollgate, perpetrators face negligible consequences. Judicial panels investigating #EndSARS cases produced few actionable outcomes, exposing systemic neglect of justice.

Summary: The #EndSARS Legacy

Despite global attention and initial momentum, Nigeria’s police reforms remain stagnant. The #EndSARS movement highlighted the gap between public demand and institutional capacity. Five years on, protests continue against SWAT units echoing SARS tactics, underscoring the futility of superficial fixes.

Key Points: Structural Barriers to Reform

1. Colonial Infrastructure Persists

Legal and operational frameworks still reflect colonial priorities, prioritizing suppression over protection.

2. Political Posturing Over Progress

Leadership appoints officers based on allegiances, fueling a meritocracy deficit.

3. Financial Neglect Undermines Morale

Underfunded salaries and resources push officers toward extortion, trapping both victims and staff in corruption.

4. Impunity as Systemic Norm

Weak accountability mechanisms allow abuse of power without repercussions, eroding public trust.

5. Youth Vulnerability and Targeting

Marginalized groups, particularly youth, continue to suffer profiling and violence under an unaccountable system.

Practical Advice: Pathways to Meaningful Reform

Full Implementation of the Police Act 2020

Enforce mandatory training on human rights, conduct police audits, and publish progress reports biannually to ensure transparency.

Merit-Based Recruitment and Training

Replace political patronage with psychometric testing and rigorous background checks to ensure new recruits align with ethical standards.

Invest in Officer Welfare

Allocate budget surpluses to barracks reconstruction, mental health services, and fair pay to rebuild public trust.

Strengthen Independent Oversight

Empower the CRU and PSC with prosecutorial authority and transparent funding to investigate abuses without political interference.

Justice for #EndSARS Victims

Prosecute perpetrators of Lekki Tollgate killings and compensate families to restore faith in institutional accountability.

Points of Caution: Risks of Inaction

• Ongoing police brutality risks escalating social unrest.
• Lack of public safety reforms perpetuates insecurity.
• Unchecked impunity violates Nigeria’s international human rights obligations.

Comparison: Nigeria vs. Global Best Practices

While countries like Japan and Germany emphasize community policing and decentralized accountability, Nigeria’s centralized, militarized model remains ill-suited to contemporary needs. Adopting hybrid models—mixing local engagement with structural oversight—could bridge this gap.

Legal Implications: International Accountability

Nigeria’s failure to address police abuses violates Article 15(1) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which mandates protection against exploitative treatment. Unpunished cruelty under SWAT units may invite sanctions or reputational harm, further isolating the nation diplomatically.

Conclusion: A Nation at a Crossroads

Nigeria’s police reforms are a cautionary tale of promises outpacing execution. Without dismantling colonial mindsets, addressing funding gaps, and prioritizing justice, the cycle of brutality will persist. The #EndSARS movement’s spirit must evolve into sustained action—not slogans or tactical rebranding.

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