Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A leaked telephone conversation obtained by SaharaReporters has exposed fresh allegations of corruption, extortion, arbitrary postings, and poor welfare within the Nigeria Police Force, particularly involving officers serving under the 32 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. In the emotional audio recording, a visibly distressed police officer accused a senior administrative officer identified simply as "Chinedu" of allegedly exploiting rank-and-file personnel through illegal payments, manipulating postings, withholding allowances, and creating conditions that have left many officers impoverished and emotionally broken. The officer further alleged that the administrative practices within the squadron had contributed to the deaths and deteriorating health of several officers.
The recording surfaced amid growing complaints by police personnel over alleged exploitation of officers drafted for special operations and private security duties across Nigeria. According to the officer, he has served in the 32 PMF Squadron for 15 years and has repeatedly resisted pressure to pay bribes for favourable postings. "Since I came to 32 PMF, this is my 15th year. If Chinedu sees me, he sees the highest devil because I don't support what he is doing. I can't give anybody money to post me to a better place," he said. He alleged that officers who refused to pay monthly kickbacks were deliberately transferred from lucrative duty posts and replaced by those willing to make regular payments. "But because of selfish interest, because he wants to sell the slot, he sold my slot to somebody for N10,000. Every month, they will be giving him N10,000 out of N40,000," the officer alleged.
The policeman also claimed that many officers assigned to special operations in Benue State were deployed without adequate notice, preventing them from taking personal belongings or preparing for the assignment. He said he was transferred abruptly while recovering from poisoning and arrived at the operation with only one police uniform. "They brought me here without anything apart from the uniform I'm wearing and my small bag. No mosquito net, no stove, no bedsheet, nothing. My things are still where I was working," he lamented. According to him, officers are routinely removed from duty locations without explanation while others allegedly pay to remain in lucrative assignments for years. "There are many of our people outside there, five years, six years, they have not come back because they are giving him money," he said.
The officer further alleged that the system has impoverished many personnel. "Many inspectors are stranded. Instead of receiving even up to N50,000, they receive N10,000, some N3,000 or N4,000 out of over N200,000 meant for them every month," the officer said. He claimed the situation had pushed many officers into debt and psychological distress. "Chinedu has caused many of our officers' deaths. He has caused many people high blood pressure. Many have become debtors because of this system," he alleged. The officer also linked the death of one of his colleagues to the alleged corrupt posting arrangement. "Look at the one who died yesterday; he was my batchmate, Batch 30, 2002. He had four children. He paid money to retain his posting. He became seriously ill with high blood pressure and died," he claimed.
Although SaharaReporters could not independently verify the allegation or establish any direct connection between the officer's death and the administrative decisions referenced in the recording, the claim reflects the depth of frustration expressed in the leaked conversation. Throughout the recording, the officer conveyed a sense of despair, alleging that his refusal to participate in the scheme has cost him opportunities and respect within the squadron. The audio has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to investigate the allegations and take decisive action against those responsible.
The Ebonyi State Police Command had earlier issued warnings against corruption and extortion, with the Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogbodo, stating in July 2024 that the command has "zero tolerance for extortion and other acts of misconduct." However, the fresh allegations suggest that such practices may persist despite official assurances. A senior police officer, CSP Nkeiruka Nwode, had also criticised media reports linking her to an alleged leaked audio in a separate case in March 2026, describing them as blackmail.
The latest allegations have intensified scrutiny of the Nigeria Police Force's internal disciplinary mechanisms and raised questions about the welfare of rank-and-file officers. Calls have grown for a comprehensive investigation into the 32 PMF Squadron, with some civil society organisations urging the National Human Rights Commission and anti-corruption agencies to intervene. The Nigeria Police Force has not yet issued an official response to the allegations contained in the leaked audio. However, the Force Public Relations Officer had previously stated that the police leadership remains committed to addressing cases of misconduct and ensuring that officers who violate the law are held accountable.
The leaked audio has shone a spotlight on the systemic challenges facing the Nigeria Police Force, where allegations of bribery, extortion, and exploitation of junior officers have persisted despite repeated official denials. For the officer who spoke out, the act of whistleblowing came at great personal risk, but his testimony has given voice to the silent suffering of countless others trapped in a system that rewards corruption and punishes integrity. As one social media user put it, "When the people paid to protect us cannot even protect themselves from their own leaders, then we have a problem." The question now is whether the authorities will act on the revelations or allow the culture of impunity to continue.
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