How Nigerian Army Personnel Mistook Policemen For Kidnappers At Imo Checkpoint After Officers Wore Plain Clothes, Raided Young Men

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for an immediate, transparent investigation into an incident in Owerri, Imo State, in which soldiers reportedly intercepted armed police operatives they initially believed were kidnappers, narrowly averting what could have turned into a deadly confrontation.

In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the civil rights organisation said the incident reportedly occurred around the Orji Flyover on the evening of July 12, 2026, and has raised serious concerns about the manner in which some police operations are conducted.

According to RULAAC, eyewitnesses alleged that armed police officers travelling in a white bus rounded up several young men along the roadside and forced them into their vehicle without identifying themselves or explaining the reason for the arrests.

The rights group said the manner in which the operation was carried out allegedly caused panic among members of the public, many of whom believed they were witnessing a kidnapping.

“According to eyewitness accounts that have come to RULAAC’s attention and have been corroborated by another independent witness, armed police operatives travelling in a white bus reportedly rounded up several young men along the roadside and forced them into their vehicle without any apparent explanation,” the organisation said.

“The manner in which the operation was conducted allegedly led bystanders to believe that a kidnapping was in progress.”

RULAAC said concerned residents reportedly alerted soldiers stationed at a nearby military checkpoint, prompting them to stop the vehicle.

“The reports further indicate that concerned members of the public alerted soldiers at the nearby military checkpoint, prompting the soldiers to intercept the vehicle under the belief that they were confronting suspected kidnappers.”

According to the organisation, a potentially fatal clash between the security agencies was only avoided after the occupants of the vehicle identified themselves as police officers.

“It was only after the occupants identified themselves as police officers that a potentially tragic confrontation was averted. Some of the young men were reportedly released following the intervention of the soldiers.”

RULAAC noted that while the accounts remain subject to official verification, the allegations, if established, point to serious operational lapses capable of endangering both civilians and security personnel.

“If these reports are accurate, the incident raises serious concerns about the manner in which police operations are being conducted and the consequences of tactics that create fear rather than public confidence.”

The organisation stressed that law enforcement operations should be intelligence-driven, transparent and carried out in a manner that clearly distinguishes officers from criminal elements.

“Law enforcement operations should be intelligence-driven, professional, lawful, and clearly identifiable. They should never be carried out in a manner that resembles criminal abduction or unnecessarily exposes both officers and civilians to grave danger.”

According to RULAAC, beyond the immediate danger posed by the incident, such operations risk undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force and ongoing reforms aimed at promoting accountability and community policing.

“Beyond the immediate risks posed to the lives of those involved, incidents of this nature further erode public trust in the police and undermine ongoing efforts by the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force to promote professionalism, accountability, and community-oriented policing.”

The organisation disclosed that it had already brought the matter to the attention of the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, who reportedly assured it that the incident was being addressed.

“RULAAC has brought the matter to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, who promptly responded that he was already addressing it. We commend this swift response and urge the Commissioner to ensure a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation.”

The group urged the police command to establish the identities of the officers involved, determine whether the operation complied with the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Act, the Administration of Criminal Justice Law and the Force’s operational guidelines, and ascertain whether the rights of the apprehended young men were violated.

It further called on the police to make the outcome of the investigation public and ensure that any officer found culpable is held accountable.

“Transparency is essential not only to determine the facts but also to reassure residents that the police remain committed to lawful policing and that no officer is above accountability,” the statement added.

RULAAC also appealed to members of the public who witnessed the incident or possess photographs, videos or other relevant evidence to cooperate with investigators to establish the full circumstances surrounding the operation.

“The Nigeria Police Force has repeatedly affirmed its commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights. Prompt, transparent and accountable handling of this incident will reinforce that commitment and strengthen public confidence in policing in Imo State.”(SaharaReporters)