A video of a Nigerian police officer threatening to shoot citizens who record him while on duty has sparked massive outrage online.
In the viral clip shared by activist @ChuksEricE, the officer, suspected to be one Officer Newton, is heard saying:
“Any day I’m on duty as a Nigerian police officer, let anyone record me. That person will provide the officer who gave them the order to be filming us, because I will clear everybody down.”
The statement, which many interpreted as a direct threat to kill or “clear out” anyone filming police operations, has already racked up over 399,000 views, thousands of likes, reposts, and angry replies within hours.
Watch the video here.
Social media users wasted no time dragging the Nigeria Police Force, with many calling for the officer’s immediate arrest, suspension, and psychological evaluation.
One user wrote: “29 years of service and you still look useless like this but you’re worried about camera on your face. Officer, you need prayer o.”
Another tagged top police officials: “This is his name. His name is Officer Newton… A police officer of over 15 years crying for welfare and threatening to kill the people he swore an Oath to serve.”
Some netizens pointed to deep frustration and poor welfare in the force as possible reasons behind the outburst, while others insisted there is no excuse for such unprofessional and dangerous behaviour.
In a follow-up video, the same officer reportedly apologised, claiming he spoke out of anger and did not mean the threat literally.
The incident has once again thrown the spotlight on the strained relationship between Nigerian police officers and the citizens they are meant to protect and serve.
This story is developing.
