The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to urgently address allegations raised by a U.S. Army veteran concerning a rogue police squad in Anambra State.
In a statement on Friday, HURIWA revealed that the U.S. veteran, whose identity remains protected for security reasons, had submitted detailed petitions to Nigerian authorities. “These petitions implicate senior police officers in Anambra and Abuja’s Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Headquarters in shielding the rogue squad. Despite numerous petitions to the IGP and AGF, no substantial actions have been taken, sparking concerns of possible complicity among top officials.
“On April 15, 2024, the veteran visited the FCID Headquarters in Abuja to report police misconduct, including the alleged involvement of a rogue police unit in Anambra. After a meeting with Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sylvester Abiodun Alabi, the veteran claimed he was assaulted by the Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) inside the building. The CSP allegedly verbally and physically assaulted the veteran, who later faced further threats. The veteran stated that the CSP warned he could be “slaughtered in Nigeria” with no consequences. CCTV footage and witness testimonies reportedly back these claims”.
HURIWA condemned the lack of action from Nigerian authorities to address these disturbing claims. The veteran’s petitions document how a group of police officers in Anambra, allegedly compromised by local criminal gangs, engages in extortion, intimidation of investors, and even kidnappings. The veteran warns that failure to act could lead to worsening security in the state.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA’s National Coordinator, expressed deep concern over the inaction, urging President Tinubu to ensure swift and thorough investigations into the allegations. HURIWA further called for a full review of the police command structure in Anambra State, and the release of CCTV footage to substantiate the veteran’s claims.
HURIWA also advocated for the veteran’s protection, citing potential threats to his life, and emphasized that failing to investigate these allegations would undermine public trust in Nigeria’s law enforcement institutions.
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In conclusion, HURIWA warned that the persistence of rogue police officers, if unchecked, would further compromise the safety of Nigerian citizens and the integrity of law enforcement.
