Why the Nigerian Police Arrested Five NDLEA, NSCDC Officers for POS Extortion in Imo

Three officers from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and two from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), along with a 37-year-old police inspector, have been arrested for allegedly extorting residents of the state, especially the youth. This situation in Imo State raised concerns over the conduct of security agents deployed to maintain law and order.

The suspects allegedly used point-of-sale (POS) machines to extract funds from unsuspecting victims. In this article, we delve into what was at stake that led to their arrest.

Their operation search and flush which is a cover for Malpractice

Henry Okoye, the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, said these officers were operating under the guise of “Operation Search and Flush,” a security operation aimed at ensuring peace and stability in the state. Unfortunately, instead of adhering to their duty of maintaining law and order, the officers allegedly used this platform to harass and extort residents. 

Their strategy which is a form of malpractice involved seizing and checking the phones of their victims and subsequently using POS machines to withdraw their money.

One of the victims spoke out

The arrest came after one of the victims, Obiji-Pat Chidera, a student from the Federal University of Technology Owerri, claimed that he was extorted of N1.9 million by these operatives. He also claimed that his younger brother was extorted of N350,000 recently. Such testimonials brought the issue into the public eye and forced the authorities to act.

It is a breach of legal and ethical implications

The arrest of officers from NDLEA, NSCDC, and the police itself at Imo State is not just a breach of the law but also an ethical dilemma that shakes the trust of the community in its law enforcement agencies. By resorting to extortion, these officers have potentially violated multiple laws, including abuse of power and theft. This incident adds to the growing concerns about police corruption and misconduct in Nigeria, further eroding the public’s trust in institutions meant to protect them.

The arrest was made towards transparency and justice in the system 

The case represents a high-profile instance of law enforcement misconduct, and it places the spotlight on the broader systemic issues within the Nigerian police and other security agencies. Henry Okoye assured that the investigation would be expedited and the suspects would be brought to justice. 

The people of Imo State, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve a police force that they can trust to maintain law and order without becoming perpetrators of crime themselves.