The Imo State Police Command has detained four of its personnel after a viral video showed security operatives allegedly forcing a young man into the boot of a vehicle during an operation in Nekede, describing the officers’ conduct as unprofessional and contrary to police operational standards.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Audu Garba Bosso, ordered the immediate detention of the officers and directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, along Human Race Road in Nekede.
The command disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed and impartial probe, while disciplinary proceedings have already commenced against the officers involved.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, preliminary investigations identified the personnel in the video as two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers.
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The officers were reportedly carrying out an operation at a location suspected to be a hub for illicit drug trafficking when the incident occurred.
Police said the operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects, with one allegedly found in possession of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
The command added that the suspect reportedly admitted to engaging in the sale of illicit drugs within the area.
However, despite the reported recovery of suspected narcotics, the police condemned the manner in which the arrest was carried out.
According to the command, forcing a suspect into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable and violates the Nigeria Police Force’s Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct and professional ethics.
“The manner in which one of the suspects was arrested and forced into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable, inhumane and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement said.
The Commissioner of Police reiterated the command’s commitment to enforcing the law while respecting the rights and dignity of citizens.
He assured residents that the investigation would be transparent and that the findings, along with any disciplinary actions taken, would be made public upon the conclusion of the inquiry.
The incident has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for accountability and adherence to professional policing standards during law enforcement operations.
The Imo State Police Command said it remains committed to combating crime while ensuring that all policing activities are conducted lawfully, professionally and in accordance with human rights principles.