ENUGU, Nigeria — A serving police inspector in Enugu State, Inspector Kwuje Samson, has raised concerns over the welfare and working conditions of rank-and-file officers in the Nigeria Police Force, saying financial hardship has left him struggling to provide for his family despite nearly 24 years in service.
In a video interview that circulated online in October, Samson said his salary was insufficient to meet basic household expenses, including his children’s school fees, forcing him to seek financial assistance from his brother.
“The suffering police officers are going through is too much,” he said, explaining that he was approaching 24 years in the force but remained unable to adequately support his family.
The inspector also described walking with his children to and from school because he could not always afford transportation. He said the financial pressure had become so overwhelming that he contemplated suicide before deciding to speak publicly about his experience and the difficulties he believes other officers face.
Samson further alleged that he had received a police uniform only once since joining the force, despite his understanding that uniforms should be issued regularly. He said he had been using his salary to purchase the clothing required for his duties.
The officer claimed he was speaking on behalf of approximately 200,000 police personnel whom he believes are experiencing similar challenges. That figure has not been independently verified.
He called for an investigation into the management and distribution of funds allocated for police welfare, questioning whether the resources intended for officers were reaching them.
“We want to know if it’s the President who has not been releasing the money, or if it is the system,” he said.
Samson also addressed the issue of police extortion, acknowledging that some officers collect money from motorists but maintaining that he does not engage in the practice. He argued that inadequate welfare and financial hardship contribute to the circumstances in which some personnel solicit money from members of the public.
His comments have renewed public discussion about police salaries, uniforms, accommodation, allowances and the support available to officers serving in demanding conditions. However, his individual account does not independently establish the extent of the alleged problems across the entire force.
Following the circulation of the interview, reports emerged that Samson had been detained by police authorities in Enugu. Subsequent media reports said he was released on Friday, October 16, although an official police statement confirming the circumstances of his reported detention and release was not available in the reports reviewed.
The case has prompted questions about how the police leadership handles internal welfare complaints and whether officers can raise legitimate concerns without facing retaliation.
Samson’s allegations, including his claims about uniform distribution and the management of welfare funds, have not been independently established in full. An official response from the relevant police authorities would help clarify the issues he raised and the steps, if any, being taken to address them.
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