In a swift disciplinary move, the Nigeria Police Force has announced the immediate disbandment of a squad accused of assaulting a motorist who was recording them with a pair of camera-glasses. The shocking incident, which went viral on social media earlier this week, sparked nationwide outrage and renewed debates about police misconduct and abuse of power in the country.
According to an official statement released on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, the affected officers have been arrested and detained, pending further investigation by the Police disciplinary committee. The Force confirmed that the actions of the squad members violated both internal regulations and the fundamental rights of the motorist, whose only “offense” was documenting their interaction.
Eyewitnesses reported that the motorist, whose identity has not yet been disclosed for security reasons, was stopped at a checkpoint along a major highway. After the officers noticed he was wearing smart camera-enabled glasses, they allegedly attempted to intimidate him, before resorting to physical assault and harassment when he refused to surrender the device. The video footage captured from the glasses quickly surfaced online, igniting widespread condemnation.
The Police High Command described the behavior of the officers as “unprofessional, unacceptable, and a betrayal of public trust.” The Inspector General of Police emphasized that the Force will not tolerate such acts of misconduct, stressing that all officers are bound by the code of conduct, which prioritizes respect for human rights and dignity.
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to reforming its operational structures and upholding professionalism. The disbandment of this squad and detention of the officers involved is a clear message that misconduct will not be swept under the carpet,” the statement read.
Civil society groups and human rights advocates have applauded the quick intervention, but many continue to call for broader reforms within the Force. According to Amnesty International Nigeria, while disciplinary measures are commendable, the country needs sustained accountability mechanisms to address recurring cases of brutality, extortion, and abuse of power by security operatives.
The incident has also reignited conversations around the use of technology—such as body cameras, dashcams, and wearable devices—to ensure transparency in law enforcement engagements. Activists argue that the public should be free to record encounters with security officers without fear of harassment or assault, as this promotes accountability on both sides.
Meanwhile, the detained officers will face an internal disciplinary panel, after which further actions—including dismissal and possible prosecution—may follow. The Police leadership assured Nigerians that the outcome of the investigation will be made public, as part of ongoing efforts to rebuild trust between the Force and the citizens it serves.
This development comes against the backdrop of recent pushes for police reform, following the #EndSARS protests of 2020, which highlighted similar cases of brutality. For many Nigerians, the case of the motorist with camera-glasses is a reminder of the need for vigilance, accountability, and systemic change in the nation’s policing system.
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