Nigerian comedian and activist, Debo Adedayo, better known as Mr. Macaroni, has once again taken to social media to highlight the dire state of the Nigerian police force, sharing a disturbing account of an incident that unfolded in the early hours of 7th of December 2024 Saturday. Mr. Macaroni, who has long been vocal about police brutality, used his platform to shed light on the frightening treatment of ordinary Nigerians by those entrusted with protecting them.
In a tweet shared with his followers, Mr. Macaroni recounted a harrowing experience he witnessed, which involved the Nigerian police and its complete disregard for the safety and dignity of civilians. According to the comedian, the incident was a vivid reminder of the daily fears Nigerians face, where the very authorities meant to uphold the law often perpetuate violence and injustice.
“Nothing surprising here!” Mr. Macaroni wrote in his tweet. “Just the daily routine of the disgraceful Nigerian police and how they treat the average Nigerian. They have zero regard for the lives of the people they ought to protect. The people are afraid of criminals, but they are terrified of the Nigerian police.”
The tweet quickly gained traction, with many Nigerians echoing the comedian’s sentiments, sharing their own painful stories of encounters with law enforcement that often ended in harassment, violence, or even death. His post reignited conversations about police reform, with many questioning the ability of the Nigerian Police Force to change despite years of public outcry and various government promises to address systemic abuses.
In a related thread, another Twitter user, Dolapo (@MisterNigerD), shared his own chilling account of a near-death experience at the hands of the police. According to Dolapo, the night took a dangerous turn when he was allegedly harassed by police officers, leading to an escalation that could have turned fatal. However, he credited the intervention of the Nigerian Army and Captain Abdullah of the Nigerian Air Force for preventing further violence.
“How my night ended, thanks to the Nigerian police,” Dolapo tweeted. “It could have been worse if not for the intervention of the Nigerian Army and Capt Abdullah in the Air Force. Here’s the story. I’ve seen firsthand that this organization is beyond reform.”
Dolapo’s story highlighted the level of mistrust many Nigerians have for the police, and how alternative security forces are sometimes the last line of defense against police brutality. He expressed his belief that the Nigerian police force, as it currently operates, is beyond reform—an alarming sentiment that resonates with many citizens who have lost faith in the institution’s ability to protect and serve.
The Nigerian police, long criticized for its corruption, brutality, and lack of accountability, has faced numerous calls for reform from civil society, activists, and even international organizations. Despite promises from successive governments to address these issues, incidents of police abuse remain widespread, with little to no punishment for officers involved in misconduct.
Mr. Macaroni and Dolapo’s experiences are just the latest in a growing list of troubling accounts of police misconduct. The Nigerian government and law enforcement agencies continue to face mounting pressure to enact meaningful reforms and restore public trust. Until then, however, ordinary citizens will continue to live in fear—not only of criminals but also of the very police force meant to protect them.
The debate over police reform in Nigeria remains unresolved, but as activists like Mr. Macaroni continue to speak out, the spotlight remains on the Nigerian Police and its deep-rooted issues.
