13/08/2026
UNBELIEVABLE: Police and Military Must Learn to Work Together
A Nigerian Army personnel and some police officers attached to the Rivers State Police Command were reportedly involved in a confrontation around Ada George Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
According to reports, the Army personnel had accompanied his boss, who was dressed in civilian clothing, to purchase building materials in the area. He reportedly stepped away briefly when some police officers stopped him and asked him to identify himself.
The situation reportedly became tense over the manner in which the soldier was approached. He was reportedly upset because he felt the officers could have handled the request for identification more respectfully.
This is where I believe the Nigeria Police should pay serious attention to the manner of approach.
If you see someone wearing an Army T-shirt or anything that suggests the person may be a military personnel, you have every right to confirm his identity. He could be a genuine soldier, or he could even be an impersonator. But the first approach matters.
For example, an officer could simply say:
“Good afternoon, I am Sgt. Udo from the Nigeria Police. Please, may I know you and confirm your identity?”
That simple approach can make a huge difference.
If the person turns out to be a genuine soldier, you have established a respectful interaction. If you discover that the person is impersonating a soldier, then you can proceed with your duties according to the law.
There is nothing wrong with a police officer asking a military-looking person to identify himself. The problem is how the question is asked and how the person is treated while doing so.
From the reports surrounding this incident, the situation allegedly escalated to the point where the Army personnel was seen bleeding and shouting, “Oboy eeeh, Oboy,” after his boss intervened.
How I wish the first approach had been more respectful. Perhaps this situation would never have reached that level.
The Nigeria Police and Nigerian military are not enemies. Both are security agencies working for the same country and should understand that cooperation, professionalism and mutual respect are necessary.
A police officer should be able to check a soldier's identity. A soldier should also respect the authority of the police to perform their duties.
Ask questions. Verify identity. Do your job—but do it with respect.
At the end of the day, we are all Nigerians, and our security agencies should not be fighting one another.
What do you think—could a better manner of approach have prevented this confrontation?
