The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, CP Audu Garba Bosso, has ordered the detention of four police personnel captured in a viral video allegedly forcing a young man into the boot of a vehicle during an operation along Human Race Road, Nekede.
The Imo State Police Command announced the decision in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye, saying the officers’ conduct was unacceptable and fell far below the professional standards expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, the incident occurred at about 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 2, 2026, and prompted the Commissioner of Police to immediately order an investigation to identify those involved and determine the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the personnel seen in the video comprised two police officers attached to the Nekede Divisional Headquarters and two Supernumerary Police Officers.
The Command explained that the officers were carrying out an operation at a location suspected to be used for drug trafficking along Human Race Road, where two suspects were arrested.
It added that substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa were recovered from one of the suspects, who allegedly confessed to selling illicit drugs in the area.
Despite the outcome of the operation, the Police Command said the conduct of the officers remained indefensible.
“Notwithstanding the outcome of the operation, the Imo State Police Command unequivocally condemns the unprofessional conduct of the personnel as captured in the viral video. The manner in which one of the suspects was arrested and forced into the boot of a vehicle is unacceptable, inhumane, and completely not in conformity with the Standard Operating Procedures, Code of Conduct, and professional ethics of the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement read.
The Command disclosed that the Commissioner of Police had directed the immediate detention of the four officers while ordering that the matter be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a comprehensive and impartial investigation.
It also confirmed that disciplinary proceedings had commenced against the affected personnel.
“Consequently, the Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate detention of the four officers. The case has been referred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a detailed and impartial investigation, while appropriate disciplinary procedures have commenced against the erring officers. The outcome of the investigation will be made public upon completion,” the statement added.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to professionalism, Bosso assured residents that while the police would continue to combat crime across the state, all operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for the rights and dignity of every citizen.
“The Commissioner of Police reassures residents of the Command’s commitment to combating crime while ensuring that all policing operations are conducted professionally, lawfully, and with due respect for the rights and dignity of every individual,” the statement said.
