A video showing an armed police officer drinking from a bottle of Hennessy during a stop-and-check operation has been circulating on social media.
In the less than one-minute video, the officer is seen drinking from the bottle while interacting with occupants of a stationary vehicle.
The officer can be heard calling out figures while one of the occupants presses his phone in what appears to be a financial transaction or solicitation.
According to Section 100 (1) of the Nigeria Police Act 2021, it is unlawful for a police officer to consume alcohol or psychotropic substances while on duty.
The Act stipulates that any police officer found taking intoxicating liquor, psychotropic substances, or stimulants while on duty is liable to punishment in line with police disciplinary procedures.
Reacting to the video, the New Media Officer of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Aliyu Giwa, said the Force leadership was aware of the viral footage showing an officer allegedly soliciting financial gratification and drinking from a bottle believed to contain alcohol while interacting with vehicle occupants.
Giwa said efforts were underway to identify the officer involved, determine the location of the incident, and establish the circumstances surrounding it.
He assured the public that appropriate action would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.
