Nigeria Police Force: Enforcement, Controversies, and Recent Actions

Nigeria Police Force, the primary law enforcement agency in Nigeria responsible for maintaining public order, investigating crimes, and enforcing traffic regulations. Also known as NPF, it operates under the federal government and has jurisdiction in every state, including Kaduna and Edo, where recent enforcement actions have drawn public attention.

The Nigeria Police Force has been in the spotlight for strict enforcement of vehicle regulations, especially around tinted glass. In early 2025, officers in Kaduna and Edo began cracking down on drivers without proper permits for tinted windows—a rule meant to improve security but often seen as inconsistent. Motorists faced fines, vehicle impoundments, and even court summons. The move wasn’t random; it followed a federal court order that required all states to enforce existing traffic laws uniformly. Many drivers didn’t know they needed a permit, and others argued the rule targeted low-income communities more than wealthy ones. The Nigeria Police Force says it’s simply doing its job, but the backlash has raised questions about transparency and training.

Beyond traffic, the Nigeria Police Force deals with everything from petty theft to political unrest. In Osun State, constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome called for fresh local elections after violent takeovers of local government offices—a situation that often ends up on the police’s doorstep. While the force is supposed to remain neutral, its actions—or lack of them—can fuel public distrust. In places like Kaduna, where ethnic and religious tensions sometimes flare, police presence is expected to calm things down. But when people see arrests made selectively or no action taken at all, it erodes confidence. The Nigeria Police Force isn’t just about catching criminals; it’s about being seen as fair, predictable, and accountable.

What you’ll find below are real stories from the ground: the traffic stops that turned into legal battles, the towns where police presence changed overnight, and the moments when ordinary people stood up to authority. These aren’t abstract policies—they’re daily realities for thousands of Nigerians.