Security officials have detained all members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) featured in a viral video that allegedly shows them engaging in extortion and misconduct in the Obowo area of Imo State.
The officers, who were involved in a joint security patrol, are currently being held while investigations are underway.
As per an official statement from the Imo police spokesperson, Henry Okoye, once the investigation is complete, the implicated personnel will be transferred to their respective security agencies for appropriate disciplinary measures according to established protocols.
The arrests came in response to public outrage following the release of a video that appeared to show uniformed officers harassing and extorting civilians at the 7 and a Half Amanze Junction in Obowo.
The footage was posted by an individual who accused the officers of behaving like criminals, while posing as law enforcement agents.
The whistleblower provided details of several incidents allegedly captured in the videos.
He claimed that officers were seen stopping young men, demanding their phones, and inspecting private content, including banking apps.
In another segment, an officer was reportedly filmed inside a Hilux vehicle while seizing a traveler’s laptop during a roadside inspection.
A separate recording allegedly showed an officer asking a colleague to confirm the money they had extorted from a victim.
Describing the situation, the whistleblower stated: “Some of the footage from 7 and a Half Amanze Junction, Obowo, Imo State, shows criminals posing as officers.
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“An officer in the back of a van was going through the phones of several young boys, even accessing their banking apps. This is criminal and illegal.
“An officer inside a Hilux confiscated a traveler’s laptop while checking documents. What legal authority does any officer have to stop a traveler and seize a personal laptop?
“An officer asked someone in the van to confirm the money he extorted from a traveler, saying, ‘Did you confirm the money?’”
He expressed concern over the increasing involvement of soldiers in such activities, stating that their actions have made daily life perilous for innocent youths traveling along the Obowo road.
He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to take decisive action.
“It’s unfortunate that soldiers are now part of this criminal behavior. This is what innocent youths face every day along the Obowo road,” he said, noting that while many officers are professional and law-abiding, “criminals in uniform are tarnishing the reputation of honest and hardworking officers.”
He further cautioned that using firearms to extort money from civilians is akin to kidnapping and must be halted.
