The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) to take immediate action following startling allegations by a U.S. Army veteran.

In a press statement released on Friday, HURIWA disclosed that the U.S. Army veteran, whose identity is protected for security reasons, has submitted detailed petitions to the Nigerian authorities, outlining how some senior police officers in Anambra and FCID Hqtrs Abuja are complicit in shielding the rogue unit. Despite filing multiple petitions to the IGP and AGF, no decisive action has been taken, raising concerns about potential complicity among high-ranking officials.

“The situation took a disturbing turn on April 15, 2024, during a visit by the veteran to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Headquarters in Abuja. According to the veteran, he had gone to the office of Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sylvester Abiodun Alabi to report the activities of the rogue police unit in Anambra and other police misconduct cases, including aiding criminal elements against a senior police officer at FCID Hqtrs Abuja.

“Shortly after leaving DIG Alabi’s office, the veteran claims he was physically assaulted by a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), who verbally abused him and attempted to punch, elbow, and kick him. The assault continued as they moved through the hallway, onto the steps, and into the office of Commissioner of Police (CP) Emmanuel Aina at the FCID. A second police officer allegedly joined the attack at CP Aina’s office, pushing and shoving the veteran.

“The veteran recounted how the CSP allegedly threatened his life, telling him that he would be “slaughtered in Nigeria” unless he returned to the United States. The CSP is also alleged to have made a chilling remark, stating that the veteran would not be the first U.S. Army soldier to be killed in Nigeria, with no repercussions. According to the veteran, CCTV footage from DIG Alabi’s office, the hallway, and CP Aina’s office will provide crucial evidence of the attack.

“Witnesses reportedly observed the assault, further corroborating the veteran’s claims. However, despite multiple petitions submitted to the IGP and AGF regarding both the assault and the broader allegations of police misconduct in Anambra, there has been no official response or serious investigation initiated.

“The core of the veteran’s allegations centers around a group of police officers in Anambra State, who he claims have been deeply compromised by local criminal gangs, including notorious Yahoo+ cultists. According to the veteran, these officers are heavily involved kidnap and disappearance of people, in extortion, using their position to harass investors in Anambra State and intimidate residents.

“The U.S. Army veteran claims to have meticulously documented these activities, alleging that this rogue police syndicate has not only compromised local security forces, but also actively colluded with criminal elements to extort money from businesses and investors in Anambra State. The veteran warns that without immediate action, the security situation in Anambra could deteriorate further, leading to a complete breakdown of law and order” HURIWA narrated.

HURIWA, in its statement, condemned the apparent inaction of the Nigerian authorities regarding these allegations. The association expressed deep concern over what it perceives as a deliberate effort by certain elements within the police force to shield corrupt officers from accountability. According to HURIWA, this pattern of impunity is emblematic of the broader crisis facing the Nigerian police system, where rogue officers operate with the backing of senior officials, undermining trust in law enforcement.

HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, emphasized that the failure of the IGP and AGF to investigate and act on the veteran’s petitions is a grave dereliction of duty. He stressed the need for President Tinubu to personally intervene, urging him to ensure that these allegations are swiftly and thoroughly investigated.

“The claims by this U.S. Army veteran are extremely serious and demand the immediate attention of Nigeria’s top law enforcement officers. If these allegations are true, they reveal a rot in the system that can no longer be ignored. We are calling on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police, and the Attorney General of the Federation to immediately launch a full-scale investigation into this death squad and the senior officers shielding them,” Onwubiko said.

HURIWA also urged the government to review the entire command structure in Anambra State, the role of the officers at FCID and other areas where corruption and criminality are rampant, calling for a shake-up within the police force to rid it of rogue elements.

HURIWA further called on the authorities to release and review CCTV footage from the FCID Headquarters in Abuja, which the veteran claims will show the assault on him by police officers, highlighting that witnesses, including his lawyer, are also willing to provide testimony on the incident, further backing the veteran’s case.

While advocating for immediate protection for the veteran, fearing that his life may be in grave danger due to the alleged threats he has received, HURIWA asserted that failure to act on these allegations would send a dangerous message that law enforcement officers in Nigeria are above the law, further eroding public trust in the justice system.

In conclusion, HURIWA insisted that without immediate and decisive action, Nigeria risks further emboldening rogue officers who operate with impunity, compromising the safety of its citizens and the future of its law enforcement institutions.

“The U.S. Army veteran’s claims have cast a spotlight on the deep-seated corruption and criminality within parts of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in Anambra State. With petitions languishing and threats intensifying, HURIWA is calling for urgent intervention by President Tinubu, the IGP, and the AGF to restore justice and ensure accountability within the ranks of the police”, HURIWA concluded.