Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda Arrested Policeman Caught on Viral Video Shooting at Civilian Tire in Asaba
Policeman Caught on Viral Video Shooting at Civilian Tire in Asaba Arrested: Delta Police Launch Investigation
Commissioner Orders Full Inquiry, Vows to Uphold Police Integrity and Public Safety
The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the arrest and detention of a police officer who was caught on a viral video shooting at the vehicle of an unarmed civilian in Asaba, the state capital.
According to a statement released by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Edafe Bright, the officer’s conduct was “unprofessional, reckless, and unbecoming of a law enforcement officer.” The incident, which has sparked nationwide outrage, once again highlights the urgent need for stricter accountability and mental health evaluations within the Nigerian Police Force.
Viral Video Sparks Outrage
The disturbing footage, which circulated widely across social media platforms on Monday, shows a policeman drawing his weapon and firing at a moving vehicle. Eyewitnesses alleged that the car contained an unarmed civilian who posed no direct threat.
The Delta Police Command immediately acknowledged awareness of the incident and launched a thorough review. “After a careful examination of the video clip, it is clear that the policeman acted in an unprofessional manner, unbecoming of a police officer,” SP Edafe Bright said in the official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that the Command “condemns the act in totality”, stressing that no police officer has the right to use a firearm without proper justification as outlined under Force Order 237 — the operational guideline governing police firearm usage.
Officer Identified, Detained, and Under Investigation
Following internal investigations, the erring officer was identified, summoned, and detained at the Command Headquarters in Asaba.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reportedly ordered immediate disciplinary action, directing that the officer be thoroughly interrogated and dealt with according to existing laws.
“The officer has been taken into custody, queried, and an investigation has commenced,” Bright confirmed. “Although the policeman was responding to a reported hit-and-run incident, no officer is permitted to use a firearm without sufficient justification. The Command will ensure that he faces appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated in the Police Act and regulations.”
CP Abaniwonda further assured the public that justice will be served and emphasized that such misconduct does not reflect the principles of the Delta State Police Command. “Our core mandate remains the protection of lives and property, not the endangerment of civilians,” he said.
The Dangers of Reckless Firearm Use
Experts and public commentators have since weighed in on the risks posed by such reckless behavior. A bullet fired toward a moving vehicle—especially in an urban setting—is unpredictable. It might deflect off metallic surfaces or concrete, ricochet, and injure unintended targets.
Aiming at a vehicle’s tires is not a guarantee of safety. The bullet could easily strike an innocent passerby, a passenger inside the vehicle, or even a bystander inside a nearby shop or building. In a densely populated city like Asaba, such negligence could have resulted in fatal consequences.
Law enforcement officers are expected to de-escalate tense situations and apply the minimum necessary force. Unfortunately, this incident demonstrates how quickly poor judgment and emotional impulsiveness can turn a routine response into a public safety hazard.
Growing Concern Over Police Conduct in Nigeria
This latest incident adds to a growing list of complaints and disturbing footage of police misconduct in Nigeria. The public continues to express frustration over cases of assault, extortion, and harassment at checkpoints and within city centers.
Just yesterday, another viral video surfaced showing a police officer slapping a man repeatedly in broad daylight while his wife watched helplessly from their car. The man, stunned by the assault, restrained himself to avoid escalation. Such experiences evoke widespread anger among citizens, many of whom feel powerless against armed officers who misuse their authority.
One eyewitness who commented on the incident expressed deep frustration, saying, “May God never put me in that situation because I don’t know if I could control my anger even with his gun pointed at me. We would drag that gun.” This emotional response mirrors the public’s fatigue and erosion of trust in the system meant to protect them.
The Mental Health Factor: A Call for Reform
Many Nigerians have called for urgent reform within the Police Force, starting with mandatory and recurring mental health evaluations for all officers.
Policing is inherently stressful — daily exposure to danger, conflict, and trauma can take a serious toll on emotional stability. Without psychological screening and support, officers under chronic stress can become aggressive, impulsive, and detached from empathy — traits that make them dangerous not only to suspects but to the public they are sworn to protect.
A structured mental health assessment program could help identify officers with anger management issues, impulse control problems, or untreated trauma. Such a system would not only protect civilians but also improve the morale and professionalism of the force.
Modern policing globally places strong emphasis on emotional intelligence, restraint, and de-escalation tactics — values that must be actively reinforced in Nigeria through continuous training, therapy, and counseling sessions.
Rebuilding Public Trust
The Nigerian public’s relationship with the police has been strained for years, worsened by incidents of brutality, corruption, and lack of accountability. While efforts like the Police Reform Bill and the disbandment of SARS were positive steps, cases like this remind citizens that deep systemic change is still needed.
CP Abaniwonda’s swift response — identifying and detaining the officer within hours — is commendable and could signal a shift toward more transparent disciplinary practices. However, Nigerians are watching closely to ensure that justice is not just promised but delivered.
Transparency in internal investigations, regular public updates, and visible disciplinary action against erring officers would go a long way in restoring confidence in the police system.
Social Media and Citizen Journalism
The spread of the Asaba shooting video once again demonstrates the power of citizen journalism in holding public institutions accountable. Without the video evidence captured by eyewitnesses, the incident might never have reached the public eye or triggered such a swift response.
In an age where smartphones have become powerful tools of justice, social media continues to serve as an equalizer, giving citizens the ability to document and expose misconduct in real-time. The Police Command’s acknowledgment of the viral clip further underscores how digital transparency is shaping modern law enforcement oversight.
Conclusion
The Asaba shooting incident is more than just an isolated act of recklessness — it is a wake-up call for systemic reform. The police must uphold professionalism, emotional control, and accountability if they hope to regain public trust.
The Delta State Command’s prompt intervention offers some reassurance, but lasting change will only come through consistent enforcement of ethical standards, comprehensive mental health programs, and transparent disciplinary systems.
Every officer must remember that carrying a gun is not a license to intimidate, but a responsibility to protect. Nigeria deserves a police force that values human life above all else.
Source: Delta State Police Command on X
