The Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit (CRU) has responded to a viral video showing a police officer allegedly making an ethnic remark during an encounter with a motorist, confirming that the officers involved have been identified and summoned for questioning.
The CRU disclosed this in a statement posted on its official X account on Friday, July 24, 2026, following widespread public reaction to the video, which has circulated extensively on social media.
The footage captures what is believed to have been a routine stop-and-search operation on a highway. During the interaction, the officer is heard allegedly telling the motorist, “If you were Igbo, I would have detained you.”
The remark quickly drew criticism from members of the public, many of whom described it as discriminatory and expressed concern that ethnicity appeared to be referenced in the officer’s handling of the encounter.
Several commentators argued that statements of that nature undermine public confidence in law enforcement and raised questions about professionalism, impartiality, and equal treatment of citizens regardless of their ethnic background.
As the video gained traction online, calls mounted for the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the incident and take appropriate action against the officer involved.
Responding to the controversy, the Police Complaint Response Unit confirmed that the matter had received the attention of the force leadership.
According to the CRU, the officers seen in the video have been identified and directed to appear before the Inspector-General of Police for questioning and possible disciplinary action.
The statement indicated that the summons forms part of the force’s internal process for establishing the facts surrounding the incident and determining whether disciplinary measures are warranted.
The CRU did not immediately disclose the identities of the officers or provide additional details about where the incident occurred. It also did not state the timeline for the disciplinary proceedings or any potential sanctions that could follow the investigation.
The development has generated widespread reactions from Nigerians, civil society organizations, and human rights advocates, many of whom have condemned the alleged remark and called for a transparent investigation.
Several advocacy groups argued that law enforcement officers should perform their duties without bias and should not make statements that could be interpreted as discriminatory or suggest unequal treatment based on ethnicity.
Others emphasized the importance of accountability within the police force, noting that prompt investigation of such incidents is essential to maintaining public trust in security institutions.
The incident has also renewed calls for continuous professional training for police officers, particularly in areas relating to human rights, ethics, community policing, and respect for Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity.
Many observers stressed that regular training could help reinforce professional conduct during interactions with members of the public while promoting impartial enforcement of the law.
The controversy has sparked broader discussions about the importance of fairness and equality in policing, with many Nigerians emphasizing that all citizens should receive equal treatment regardless of their ethnic origin, religion, or background.
The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly stated in previous public communications that it is committed to professionalism, accountability, and respect for the rights of all Nigerians. The CRU’s response to the viral video is being viewed as part of those accountability mechanisms.
While public debate over the incident continues, the force’s internal investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the officer’s remarks and whether they breached the standards of conduct expected of police personnel.
For now, the Police Complaint Response Unit has confirmed that the officers involved have been summoned by the Inspector-General of Police for questioning, with possible disciplinary action to follow depending on the outcome of the investigation.
The incident remains under official review, and no final disciplinary decision had been announced at the time the CRU issued its statement.
