Crime

Outcry as Police Deny Officers Involved in Scooping Fuel from Crashed Tanker

Published by Tope Fakinlede on December 3rd, 2024.

Outcry as Police Deny Officers Involved in Scooping Fuel from Crashed Tanker

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has come under criticism after it dismissed claims that its officers were involved in a viral video showing uniformed personnel scooping fuel from a crashed tanker.

The short video, which surfaced on Monday, shows a fuel-laden tanker that had overturned by the roadside. In the footage, individuals dressed in what appear to be police uniforms are seen collecting fuel from the tanker and loading it into jerrycans placed in a van parked nearby.

While the exact time and location of the incident remain unclear, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, insisted that the video was recorded outside Nigeria. He further explained that the people in the video were not officers of the Nigeria Police, but rather personnel from a neighboring Francophone country who wore camouflage uniforms similar to those of the Nigerian Police.

“The viral video showing uniformed individuals scooping fuel from a tanker wreck is an attempt to tarnish the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force. The individuals in the video are not Nigerian police officers. They are uniformed personnel from a French-speaking country, as evidenced by the language they spoke, which was French, not English or any Nigerian language,” Adejobi stated.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, the NPF is committed to maintaining discipline and professionalism. “We strongly condemn the circulation of false and unverified information aimed at damaging the image of the Nigeria Police Force. Such disinformation undermines the force’s integrity and harms the nation,” Adejobi added. He reassured Nigerians that the NPF remains dedicated to public safety and will not tolerate any behavior that compromises its reputation.

The NPF also urged the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing it, stressing the importance of supporting national unity and maintaining the credibility of institutions responsible for public safety.

Despite the official clarification, many Nigerians on social media, particularly on X.com (formerly Twitter), voiced skepticism and questioned the authenticity of the police’s claims.

One user, @Dwizardking, remarked, “If they’re not police, then who are they? Even with clear evidence, the Nigerian police will still deny the truth.” Another user, @Horlar_SefPaid, criticized the government’s response, saying, “Let’s not forget these people have families to feed. But covering up their actions with lies is what I can’t understand. This government lacks integrity—they can say anything, even if it’s blatantly false.”

The controversy continues to raise questions about accountability and transparency within the Nigerian police force.