I was in traffic jam at a peak time of the day and suddenly, close by, several rounds of gunshot rang through. It was terrifying in a situation where there was no escape whatsoever. Finally, it was the police, accompanying some VIP in their blaring siren, who simply wanted to intimidate other road users and force the rest of us to literally carry our vehicles on our heads and move out of the way for their convoy since there was simply no place to turn to in the traffic gridlock. Suddenly, it struck me how abnormal it was for any persons in their right senses to act the way the police officers acted-creating more chaos in an already tensed and confused situation. It simply was not in the interest of anyone, including the police.
Our police officers, soldiers and other security operatives brandish high capacity guns in public, and are well too ready to fire shots at the slightest incident. All over Nigeria, there are numerous "anti robbery" squads and many other police special squads who treat civilians with much disdain. In addition to their AK-47 rifles in combat mood like in war zones, they also readily use horse whips on motorists and other Nigerians at any perceived infraction. It's disgusting seeing the humiliation they mete out to citizens who dare ask for decorum or who "cross their path" in their own definition Alcohol oozes out of their breaths and some of them openly smoke cannabis. I've come into close contact with police officers; some of whom are downright drunk with their uniform on and AK-47 rifles in their hands! When an officer starts boasting, "I'll finish you (i.e kill you) and nothing will happen!" you immediately know that something is clearly wrong. I asked a police officer if he was aware and concerned that fellow officers might be carrying out official duties with such lethal weapons under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, his response was stunning. He was of the view that police officers, especially those on "special squads" would not be able to face the peculiar challenges of their tasks of engaging "hardened criminals" and all the shootings without "charging up" (i.e getting drunk). I thought a police officer with a weapon needed to be in the best frame of mind and coordination. I thought in any decent clime, the conduct of police officers, soldiers and other security operatives was viewed critically on a high standard justifying the confidence of the public that has bestowed upon them the powers and responsibilities of their office. How can a police officer who is equally drunk arrest a driver who is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs? How we any surprised at the numerous "accidental discharges", extra-judicial killings and massacre in the hands of security operatives?
We need to address some root causes. The "private" life of a police officer is held to account once he or she undertakes the position of public responsibility and trust. Either at recruitment or periodic tests in service, there is no evidence that police officers, soldiers or other operatives undertake forensic toxicological tests in Nigeria. However, there is every evidence the tests are not being done. In the 21 century Nigeria, and with all the resources at the disposal of this country, we still have no forensic medical services that can offer forensic toxicology in the country. Such forensic testing can determine both present and past intake of some of these drugs of interest and also reveal pattern of use. Unfortunately, the nation has not seen the need to invest in something that will provide a safeguard for public health and security. But we readily invest in purchasing guns and ammunition , in purchasing "operational" vehicles usually driven by police drivers, whose conducts on the wheels defy any soundness of mind. Run any poll in any parts of the country, and most Nigerians will rate one dreaded nuisance as police/army convoy or "siren" vehicle whether for the VIPs, bullion vans or simply for conveying domestic staff of "people in power" to the market or shopping mall for shopping! Something is wrong somewhere, and there is apparent abuse of alcohol and drugs by our (in)security operatives who are supposed to be the epitome of good judgement, soundness, dexterity, and civility.
Alcohol and drug abuse may be a significant factor in the irrational and excessive use of force that has characterized our impression about the police, soldiers and other security operatives. We can easily test this hypothesis if we could muster the courage and shake off our collective complacency and start demanding for high standings; and start holding to account those saddled with public trust and responsibility. Unfortunately, we do not even have a forensic toxicology laboratory which is usually situated within the framework of a holistic forensic medicine services. How then do we go about addressing this important issue? The country needs to embrace modern forensic medicine practice including forensic toxicology and other support services. Forensic medicine underpins Security, the Justice System and Health.
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