Recent investigations have uncovered a harrowing chapter in Nigeria's history, revealing that in February 2002, a covert operation led by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo and high-ranking police officials resulted in the extrajudicial execution of 37 police unionists. This shocking event was a brutal response to a nationwide strike organized by the National Union of Police (NUP), which sought to address the dire welfare conditions faced by rank-and-file officers.
The NUP, spearheaded by journalist-turned-activist Teslim ‘Samore’ Oyekanmi, emerged from the shadows to demand improved working conditions and fair treatment for police personnel. Their call for a mass strike was met with disdain by police leadership, who dismissed their grievances as mere irritations. However, the union's resolve only strengthened as they mobilized support across the country, leading to a historic strike that caught the government off-guard.
As the strike progressed, it became evident that the government would not tolerate dissent. In response to the escalating situation, soldiers were deployed to assume police duties, and hundreds of officers suspected of being affiliated with the NUP were rounded up in a campaign of intimidation. Eyewitness accounts indicate that many of these officers were tortured and executed in secret operations orchestrated by state authorities.
Samore Oyekanmi has recounted the chilling details of this dark period: "Dozens were tortured, with many of these executed. According to estimates, as many as 37 persons were killed, many of whom had connections to our movement." The aftermath saw the dismantling of the NUP and the silencing of its leaders, effectively quashing any organized effort for police reform.
This tragic episode highlights the lengths to which government officials will go to suppress voices advocating for change within the police force. The executions not only marked a significant setback for labor rights in Nigeria but also underscored systemic issues within law enforcement that continue to plague the nation today.
As we reflect on this grim chapter in our history, it is imperative that we honor the sacrifices made by those who fought for justice and improved working conditions for police officers. Their bravery serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against oppression and the need for accountability within our institutions.