Police extortion is a major concern for Nigeria’s law enforcement system, damaging public trust and hindering economic growth. This harmful type of corruption, where officers misuse their power to illegally acquire money or goods, is not just a rare event but a deeply rooted practice.

Although this does not affect the commitment of many dedicated officers in the Nigeria Police Force, it highlights the pressing need for better accountability and integrity in policing.

According to the 2023 edition of Transparency International’s Global Corruption Barometer, the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) is regularly seen as the most corrupt organization in the nation. Almost three-quarters (73 percent) of Nigerians think that “most” or “all” police officers are corrupt. This belief is not without basis. From 2009 to 2011, informal “road taxes” were estimated to have racked up an incredible $3.48 billion in costs that ultimately fell on the average citizen.

Commercial bus drivers have expressed their frustrations, stating that police extortion greatly reduces their daily income. They first deal with motor park fees, then union dues, and finally these unofficial police charges, all before factoring in fuel or vehicle maintenance costs.

As a result, these expenses are transferred to passengers in the form of higher transport fares. “Nothing can be done. The audacity of these actions reveals a culture of impunity. It is hard to believe that high-ranking police officials, including the Inspector General of Police (IGP), are unaware of these widespread issues.

Yet the lack of effective measures has allowed this corruption to thrive and become a normal routine. The popular saying, “police no dey catch police,” captures the public’s view of unchecked misconduct. While there have been cases where officers have been tried and dismissed for their wrongdoings, these situations usually occur only because courageous citizens risk their safety to record the abuses.

This brings up a pressing question: Why should regular Nigerians be forced to increase the salaries of public servants through coercion? The impact of police extortion is extensive. It raises transportation costs, discourages legitimate business operations, and weakens the social contract between citizens and the government. Moreover, it fosters inequality and undermines the rule of law.