A coalition of civil society organisations under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations Against Terrorism in Nigeria has raised concerns over what it described as a coordinated campaign of media attacks against the Nigeria Police Force, warning that such actions could undermine public trust in security institutions at a critical time in the country’s fight against insecurity.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the coalition said recent social media narratives targeting some strategic police commands and operational units appear aimed at blackmailing officers and frustrating legitimate law enforcement efforts.
The statement, jointly signed by Comrade Oluwatobi Johnson and Ochiaga Jude, who serve as the coalition’s Secretary and Publicity Secretary respectively, alleged that the attacks are increasingly focused on commands actively involved in tackling violent crimes, cybercrime, and other threats to public safety across the country.
According to the group, the sustained online criticism is not only capable of demoralising officers but may also embolden criminal elements by weakening public confidence in agencies tasked with maintaining law and order.
The coalition expressed particular concern over online narratives linked to the Delta State Police Command, as well as criticism directed at Deputy Commissioner of Police Muyiwa Adejobi and officers engaged in operational duties in the state. It also referenced recent attacks on the Lagos State Task Force under the leadership of Chief Superintendent of Police Akerele.
While acknowledging that public institutions should remain open to scrutiny in a democratic society, the coalition maintained that there is a clear difference between constructive criticism and what it described as orchestrated efforts to discredit security personnel through sustained hostile narratives.
It warned Nigerians against allowing misinformation, politically motivated commentary, or coordinated digital campaigns to erode trust in frontline security agencies at a time when the country continues to face serious threats including terrorism, kidnapping, cybercrime, and organised criminal activities.
Reaffirming its support for security personnel across the federation, the coalition called on citizens, community leaders, and responsible media practitioners to stand firmly behind law enforcement institutions, especially officers serving in high-pressure environments such as Delta State, where security operations remain vital to public safety.
The group stressed that security agencies deserve encouragement, lawful oversight, and institutional backing rather than campaigns capable of weakening morale and undermining ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
The statement concluded by restating the coalition’s confidence in the ongoing operations of police formations nationwide, while urging stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies in the interest of national peace, safety, and stability.
