It is no gainsay that every nation must build a formidable internal security force to safeguard its citizens especially those who are vulnerable and endangered amidst insecurity of lives and properties. But it is vise-versa in the case of Nigeria where one of its security armed forces (Police) have been the talk of the town as a result of its unprofessionalism in terms of handling security challenges in recent time. Earlier this month, Nigeria's police force encouraged citizens to report officers who violate rules on conduct adding “the rights of Nigerians are not infringed upon under any pretext”

Nigeria is referred to as the 'Giant of Africa' for the role played in the unity and tranquility of African continent, the West African countries in particular. However, with the recent happenings in the Nigeria Police Force, it is becoming pathetic to see the pride of Africa gradually going into extinction because of the inordinate attitude displayed by some erring members of the force to the citizens who ought to have been protected in this critical time. What a sad episode!

It be recalled the first confirmed case of the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 in Nigeria was announced on 27 February 2020, when an Italian citizen in Lagos tested positive for the virus. Today, Nigeria has recorded 407 new cases, 128 discharged, and 12 deaths at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari in his first broadcast dated 30th March 2020 ordered a two-week lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, in an effort to stem the tide of Covid-19. On the 13th day of April 2020, the President extended the lockdown over concerns on the rapid rise of the pandemic in the country. This necessitated the emergence of the Nigeria Police Force among other security outfits to safeguard the citizens during this period amid security hitches.

Findings by the Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission on Wednesday, 15 March 2020 claimed security operatives killed 18 civilians during enforcement of a total lockdown in major cities in the country over the novel Coronavirus. This has resulted to heated controversies between the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerians as the former is more concerned about the report.

The commission, founded under a special law to monitor human rights violations in Nigeria, said in a report it got 105 petitions from families of the deceased through their lawyers and carried out investigations.

"Security operatives have killed about 18 persons following the enforcement of COVID-19 regulations and lock down," the report said.

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