Viral Video: NGO defends Police, questions Chinese intentions

An NGO, Anti-Kidnapping, Human Trafficking, Child Abuse and Drug Abuse Initiative (AKH-TRACADA) has called for a full-scale investigation into a viral video showing Nigerian Police officers receiving money from a Chinese national.

In a statement signed by its Founder, Primate Belonwu Ezeanyaeche on Friday in Abuja, he described the video as a calculated attempt to undermine the integrity of Nigeria’s security agencies.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Nigeria Police Force has warned individuals and organisations, privileged to the services of its personnel, against acts that could degrade the integrity of the force and bring it to disrepute.

NAN reports that the warning followed a video making rounds in the media space, showing police officers receiving money from a Chinese national.

Ezeanyaeche, who doubled as the Executive Director of the NGO defended the Nigeria Police Force while urging for a comprehensive investigation into the motives behind the recording.

The NGO boss expressed disappointment over what he described as a “deliberate act of provocation and humiliation” by the Chinese national.

He questioned the circumstances under which the video was recorded, suggesting that the police officers involved may have been unaware of the true nature of the gathering.

He, however, raised concerns about the possibility of a hidden agenda, alleging that the video might have been strategically leaked to foreign media to portray Nigerian institutions in a bad light.

“We condemn the attitude of the Chinese towards a kind gesture of the Nigerian government, especially the Nigeria Police Force and Nigerian Security System in general.

“It is an insult, disrespectful and disregarding to Country where the Chinese and his family are surviving.

“The video making rounds on social media is not only suspicious but appears orchestrated to mock Nigeria’s law enforcement personnel and exploit the country’s hospitality.

“From our understanding, the officers were on regular duty and were reportedly called out to assemble without prior briefing. It’s unjust to conclude they were complicit in any wrongdoing.

“If this video was sent to Chinese media outlets, we must ask: what narrative was intended? Who benefits from such imagery? It suggests an organised attempt to undermine our security agencies,” he maintained.

The NGO boss called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) to investigate the Chinese national’s activities, including the legality and purpose of his stay in Nigeria.

He also called on the Nigeria Police Force to review and possibly revoke any security privileges extended to the Chinese national, insisting that respect for national institutions must be reciprocal.

“My question remains if one Chinese has this number for “services”, how many are left for other people and the public.

“We need to know what business he is involved in, who he is connected to, and whether his operations align with Nigerian laws and values.

“No foreign national should enjoy the protection of Nigerian security agencies while treating those very institutions with disdain,” he emphasised.

Ezeanyaeche, however, warned against hasty judgment of the officers involved, urging the public to consider the wider implications and potential manipulation behind such viral content.

He also reiterated the organisation’s commitment to the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and the reputation of its law enforcement agencies.

“It’s easy to vilify the officers, but we must remember how easily such footage can be edited, staged, or misrepresented. Let us investigate thoroughly before condemning our own,” he said.