“Policemen Should Not Wear Mask” – Daniel Regha Criticizes Nigerian Policemen
Nigerian policemen wearing a mask during an arrest have been criticized by social commentator Daniel Regha in a statement. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Policemen who have arresting powers shouldn’t wear a mask; Come as a policeman, & in case the offenders or suspects don’t desire to be arrested that’s a different issue. But don’t arrive looking auspicious in a country in whose streets bandits roam about.”
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Daniel Rehga’s statement has sparked a discussion about policemen in Nigeria wearing a mask during an arrest. Some citizens agree with him, saying masked policemen can generate apprehensions and cause confusion, especially in communities with cases of banditry. The uncertainty with masked faces can generate mistrust between citizens and security agencies.
Aiding Rehga, a commenter posted, “Well. Well said. Come with uniform, keep off face mask. Nose mask.” Another added, “Very soon. Robbers won’t have to break in. They could simply wear a face mask and knock at the door and say ‘it’s the police’.”
Some noted that one must consider the background under which policemen could wear a face mask. During the pandemic period, face coverings have become a necessity in most countries, including Nigeria, in a move towards curbing the virus’s spread. In a move towards ensuring strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols, wearing face masks in public was mandated in Nigeria by the Nigerian Police Force
Despite these health protocols, controversy over the use of face masks by policemen and women has ensued in a few cases. In December 2024, three Nigerian Legion Corps Commissionaire workers were alleged to have been assaulted and tortured by Lagos State Police Command men. According to them, one of the legion workers was accused of “wearing a face mask in daylight,” for which they were arrested and abused.
The cases show a thin line between complying with health protocols and having public trust. As protective attire, face masks, when donned during operations, can be misused, especially in areas with high cases of criminality.
A user vented about the state of affairs noting that “Nigeria is such a lawless country!” According to another concerned user, “They won’t learn until another one will be used a scap3 g0at again.”
See the post below:
