Rising Police Suicides Highlight Nigeria’s Mental Health Crisis

The rise in police suicides in Nigeria signifies a pressing mental health crisis affecting officers across ranks. Cases like the suicides of Inspector Ajele Oloyede and Deputy Commissioner Gbolahan Oyedemi exemplify the need for systemic changes. Structural neglect, inadequate mental health support, and legal barriers significantly hinder officers from seeking help. Urgent reforms are necessary to address this growing issue.

In recent years, the incidence of police suicides in Nigeria has alarmingly increased, affecting officers from various ranks and regions. A notable case occurred in March 2025, when Inspector Ajele Oloyede from Ogun State Police Command took his life while on special duty. He was found by a colleague shortly before the tragic incident, which prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, including potential mental health issues.

Additionally, on February 9, 2025, Assistant Superintendent Shafiu Bawah reportedly died by suicide in Niger State, although no clear motive has yet been established. Just days earlier, another tragic incident involved Constable Dogara Akolo-Moses, who shot himself at the Nasarawa Command while on duty. These events underline a disturbing trend of suicides within the police force, attributed to various unidentified factors.

Earlier in April, a retired police officer allegedly succumbed to suicide after committing multiple homicides during a land dispute in Lagos State. Reports indicated that he took his own life by ingesting poison shortly after these violent acts, further underscoring the need for mental health consideration within law enforcement.

The suicide of Deputy Commissioner of Police Gbolahan Oyedemi in 2024 shook the security community. Found dead in his hometown, Oyedemi had asked aides to go home prior to the incident, which raised concerns about the unseen burdens faced by officers even before such tragedies occur. This highlights an ongoing struggle for mental health support within Nigeria’s policing system.

Statistics reveal that untreated mental illness is a key contributor to police suicides globally, exacerbated in Nigeria by systemic neglect. A 2022 study highlighted that Nigerian law enforcement personnel experience significantly higher levels of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, largely due to their exposure to violence and unrest.

The working conditions for Nigerian police officers further compound these issues, as many live in dilapidated barracks and face inadequate salaries and delayed promotions. This systemic neglect contributes to a culture that ignores mental health issues and dismisses officers’ vulnerabilities as signs of weakness.

Nigeria’s legal framework compounds the problem, as the criminalization of attempted suicide discourages officers from seeking help, perpetuating stigma within the hierarchy of the police force. Studies show that a significant percentage of officers experience anxiety or depression but rarely seek assistance due to fear of repercussions.

Contrarily, other countries have implemented proactive measures to address these issues. The United States employs organizations that track police suicides and offer mental wellness resources, while the UK has charities providing trauma therapy. Comparatively, Nigeria’s internal wellness system remains rudimentary and ineffective, ranking poorly in mental health provisions among law enforcement.

Despite efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to address mental health through partnerships with mental health organizations, actual implementation has been inconsistent. The lack of legislative support for mental health initiatives and the stalled progress in reforming outdated laws hinder meaningful improvements.

Suicides impact families profoundly, leaving them without support or explanations from the police force. Grace Chukwuma, widow of an inspector who died by suicide, expressed her frustration over the lack of response from the force post-tragedy. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Funsho Adetiba highlighted a dire mental health crisis within the Nigerian Police, calling for immediate action to address institutional shortcomings.

To mitigate the increasing rates of suicide among police officers, Dr. Adetiba suggested several reforms. These include decriminalizing attempted suicide, establishing dedicated mental health units within police divisions, and implementing annual psychological evaluations as a standard practice. He also advocated for the creation of a National Police Suicide Registry to collect data on incidents, which could inform future policies and interventions. Without serious institutional reform and support for officers, Nigeria risks a continuous cycle of loss and instability within its police force.

The escalating suicide rate among Nigerian police officers highlights a critical mental health crisis that demands immediate attention. Factors including untreated mental health issues, inadequate support systems, and a culture of silence within the police force contribute to this tragic reality. Proposals for reform stress the urgent need for decriminalizing attempted suicide, establishing dedicated mental health support units, and improving overall working conditions. Addressing these issues is imperative not only for the well-being of officers but also for public safety.

Original Source: punchng.com