The recent incident in Calabar, where a police officer opened fire indiscriminately, resulting in the tragic deaths of three people on a Sunday morning, has reignited debates on the use of live ammunition by law enforcement officers in public spaces.
This tragic event is not an isolated case. Over the years, Nigeria has witnessed multiple instances where police officers, whether out of anger, carelessness, or lack of proper training, have used their firearms irresponsibly. In 2020, during the #EndSARS protests, several reports surfaced of police officers firing live rounds at unarmed protesters, leading to loss of lives and public outrage. In another instance, a policeman in Lagos shot a young woman, Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day in 2022, an incident that further damaged public trust in the force.
uch incidents highlight the urgent need to reassess the policy regarding police officers carrying live ammunition during routine patrols. While law enforcement plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security, their access to lethal weapons must be carefully regulated to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
In several developed nations, the use of live ammunition by police officers is heavily restricted. For example in the UK most police officers do not carry firearms. Instead, specially trained armed response units handle high-risk situations. Officers rely on tasers, batons, and pepper spray for non-lethal control.
Non-lethal weapons like rubber bullets, tasers, and bean bag rounds can help control situations without posing a significant risk to civilians.
Given the recurring cases of police brutality and misuse of firearms, Nigeria must consider reforms in its policing system. Some possible solutions include:
Stricter firearm regulations: Only officers on high-risk assignments, such as anti-terror operations or special crime units, should carry live ammunition.
Increased use of non-lethal weapons: The Nigerian police force should be equipped with tasers, rubber bullets, and other non-lethal alternatives for handling threats.
Better training and psychological evaluations: Regular psychological assessments should be conducted to ensure that only emotionally stable officers handle firearms. Conflict resolution and de-escalation training should also be prioritized.
Public safety must be prioritized, and ensuring that law enforcement officers act with discipline and responsibility is crucial to restoring trust in the police force. The lives lost due to unnecessary police shootings serve as a reminder that urgent action is needed to prevent future tragedies.
Ubong Usoro for Nigeria Magazine
