On the night of January 29, 2024, four Nigeria Police officers, led by Inspector Gambo Gamaraju, were on patrol at a checkpoint on the Yola-Jalingo Road in Taraba State. This was a routine operation. As part of their duties, they flagged down a passing car and discovered individuals who appeared suspicious, accompanied by questionable cargo.
The reports did not specify the nature of these individuals or the crimes they committed, but that is not the main issue. The occupants of the car, identified as criminals, chose to respond to the law enforcement officers in a typical manner. They attempted to offer a bribe, amounting to N8.5 million.
Anyone familiar with the background of Nigerian police officers at checkpoints could make an educated guess about what typically occurs in such situations. However, in this case, the four officers chose to reject the bribe and arrested the suspects instead. Both the suspects and the bundles of cash were taken to the police station to face legal consequences.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, I came across a tweet from one Akin Atanda @Akinskickers where he gave an honest account of his encounter with a police officer named Yusuf.
Here is the account of his encounter:
“Today I meet a young officer of the law of @PoliceNG
“I was taking my mum to the airport very early this morning and suddenly our car breakdown, luckily we found a towing vehicle that took us to a safer place along Lagos/ibadan express road
“He called a mechanic for us
“Then this huge young guy came out from no where, I was in need of cash because I have no cash with me & I need to give the mechanic money to quickly go get something
“This young man handed me 20k cash without asking questions stayed with us & use is call card to monitor the Mechanic for us, the mechanic didn’t return in time & we are already running late for mum’s scheduled flight
“This young police man stop a man he knows & talk to him to please drop mum & my sister in Lagos without taking a dime
“He still gave some area guys some money And he didn’t take additional to the 20k he gave me earlier
“He didn’t let me add to the money; I was wowed & still in disbelief
“But that guy is an Angel sent to help us, big strong with big voice but a heart of gold
“I just have to collect his number, he also called to ask About mum later if she had fly, this is the type of officers we need on the road in this country
“God bless you whenever you are for what you did for me today Mr Yusuf I appreciate you
For many years, the Nigerian police have been engaged in a battle against corruption. Generally speaking, they have been losing. However, if used appropriately, Yusuf’s acts could be a game-changer in this conflict and a helpful instrument in preserving the police’s reputation.
This country has a large number of honest police officers. You are undoubtedly attempting to come up with one as you read this. I’m aware of a few.
I have no doubt that the Nigeria police have a lot of people like Yusuf. The police should honour these officers and set a positive example for others. Nigerians and corporate entities would be wise to perform their charitable deeds for men in this way, just as they have done for others.
These are individuals who frequently risk their lives for the sake of the rest of us, which makes this significant. We must give them credit when they perform well, even though I know we are often frustrated by them. Additionally, the police force must support the sacrifices and hard work of its honourable officers.
Any officer who dies while performing their duties to save the lives of Nigerians deserves to be acknowledged and praised. This is where I will commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun because, as of Friday, 23rd May, 2025, 8,311 families received N23bn so far under the Group Life Assurance and IGP Family Welfare Scheme package of the Nigeria Police Force, while the second edition of the Nigeria Police Awards and Commendations is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 4th June 2025, at the Police Resource Centre, Jabi, Abuja.
