Police caution Abuja residents, ‘bribing officers is a crime, not a tip’
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has warned residents against giving money or other inducements to officers on duty, stating that this practice is unlawful and undermines effective law enforcement.
In a public advisory posted on X.com on Monday, the command stressed that both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offenses.
The statement read: “It is unlawful to give our officers money or any form of inducement while they are performing their duty. Let them discharge their responsibilities diligently, without interference.”
The police also urged residents to report misconduct to the Complaint Response Unit (CRU) or through the FCT Police emergency lines, assuring that all reports would be handled seriously.
READ ALSO: Police arrest operatives for allegedly assaulting man over ₦1m bribe
“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to serving you with integrity. Your cooperation is vital; together, we can build a safer society,” the statement added.
The advisory comes amid ongoing public concerns about bribery and extortion. Motorists, traders, and residents have frequently reported being pressured to give “tips” or “settlements” to officers during patrols, traffic stops, and at checkpoints.
Despite the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, repeatedly emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for corruption, incidents of misconduct continue to occur.
In May 2024, an inspector was demoted for extorting motorists in Imo State, and in April 2025, disciplinary action was taken against officers seen in a viral video collecting money from a Chinese national.
However, the police also highlighted examples of integrity, such as officers in Imo State rejecting a ₦1 million bribe in a child trafficking case in February 2025, and a SWAT commander, Ebong Thompson, turning down a ₦800,000 bribe in August 2025.
These contrasting incidents, according to police leadership, highlight the “battle for integrity” within the force.
With this renewed emphasis on integrity, FCT residents are being reminded that a bribe is a crime, not a tip.
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