Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
An operative of the Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has sparked public outrage after a video surfaced in which he allegedly confessed to collecting N29,000 from a suspected thief in exchange for his release. The operative, who claimed to be the second-in-command (2IC) stationed at Ikpoba Okha, was apprehended following allegations of unprofessional conduct, according to reports that have circulated widely on social media since Sunday, 12 July 2026.
The footage, which went viral on Monday, 13 July 2026, shows the operative in custody, admitting that he and his colleagues had caught a suspected thief but decided to let him go after the suspect paid them a sum of N29,000. The confession has triggered a wave of criticism, with many Nigerians condemning the action as a breach of public trust and an abuse of the authority vested in security personnel. The operative's claim of being a "2IC" has further fueled the controversy, raising questions about the level of discipline and accountability within the state's security architecture.
The Edo State Security Corps was established to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies in tackling crime, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. In recent months, the state government has taken steps to reorganise and professionalise the Corps, with Governor Monday Okpebholo announcing that over 1,400 personnel have been trained by the Nigerian Army to enhance their operational effectiveness . However, the latest incident has cast a shadow over these reform efforts, with critics arguing that unprofessional conduct continues to undermine public confidence in the security outfit.
The viral video has drawn sharp reactions from civil society organisations and members of the public, many of whom have called for a thorough investigation and disciplinary action against the officers involved. Some have also urged the Edo State Government to strengthen oversight mechanisms within the Security Corps to prevent similar incidents. As of the time of this report, the Edo State Security Corps had not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the operative's claims. Efforts to reach the Corps' spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.
The incident comes amid broader debates about the conduct of security agencies in Nigeria, where allegations of extortion, bribery, and human rights abuses remain a recurring concern. For the Edo State Security Corps, the case represents a significant test of its commitment to professionalism and accountability, as the state government continues to rely on the outfit to address growing security challenges.
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