The Nigeria Police Force has ordered a major shake-up involving officers across several commands following the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old man, Mene Ogidi, in Effurun, near Warri, Delta State.
The directive, issued from Force Headquarters in Abuja, comes in the wake of public outrage over the April 26 incident, which has continued to spark nationwide reactions and renewed calls for police accountability.
Ogidi was reportedly shot dead by a now-dismissed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Nuhu Usman, despite being unarmed and already restrained by civilians who had arrested him over allegations of arms smuggling. A video of the incident circulated widely online, intensifying public anger.
In response, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Delta State, Tunji Disu, confirmed swift disciplinary action against the officer and members of his team. They have since been dismissed and handed over to the Delta State Attorney General for prosecution. Disu also visited the deceased’s family.
Many Nigerians have praised the police leadership for the quick response, though civil society groups continue to demand broader reforms to address concerns over abuse of power and extrajudicial killings.
In a signal dated May 3, the police high command ordered the immediate redeployment of senior officers and other ranks across various formations. Commands were directed to submit the names of officers who comply or fail to comply with the directive by May 22.
The communication, signed on behalf of the Inspector General of Police by Force Secretary AIG Bode Akinbamilowo, was circulated to all major police formations, including the Police Mobile Force, Border Patrol Force, Special Protection Unit, FCID, Police Academy in Kano, and the Police Staff College in Jos.
The redeployment affects officers across multiple ranks, particularly Assistant Superintendents of Police, with postings spanning states including Edo, Anambra, Abia, and Imo.
Police authorities say the exercise is part of wider efforts to restore discipline and rebuild public confidence in the institution. The Force also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that officers found culpable will face both disciplinary and criminal consequences.
At an emergency meeting of senior police leadership in Abuja, Disu confirmed that two additional suspects linked to the killing have been arrested. He said investigations are ongoing and declined to disclose further details.
Describing the incident as “wrong, unlawful, and a violation of human life,” Disu stressed that the dismissed officer and his team would face full prosecution.
He also confirmed that the suspect initially arrested in connection with the case was found with a locally made Beretta pistol and four rounds of 9mm ammunition.
“The response of the Police will define this institution,” he said, adding that the Force maintains “zero tolerance, full accountability, and no exceptions.”
The Inspector General of Police has also ordered a nationwide audit of firearms across all police formations, describing the exercise as critical to internal discipline and operational safety.
Meanwhile, the Senate has called for a thorough and transparent investigation into the killing, insisting that justice must be served without delay.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while speaking during plenary, described the incident as a reminder of the need for restraint and professionalism in law enforcement.
He noted that every Nigerian life must be treated as sacred, adding that public trust in security agencies depends on accountability and fairness.
The Senate also commended the police for the steps already taken but urged that the process must be concluded with full transparency and justice for the victim’s family.
Lawmakers stressed that while security agencies must be empowered to perform their duties, they must remain firmly accountable to the citizens they serve.
“No citizen is above the law, and no citizen is beneath its protection,” Akpabio said.
