The Nigeria Police Force has expressed concern over the increasing cases of jungle justice across the country, warning that it threatens the nation’s criminal justice system, rule of law, and global image.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, described the act as “deplorable and savage,” lamenting the loss of lives and property caused by mob actions. Adejobi emphasized that jungle justice undermines due process, betrays the ideals of human rights, and weakens justice administration in Nigeria.

The police also condemned recent incidents of arson linked to public unrest. One such case occurred in Edo State, where community members set a police station ablaze and killed suspects in custody by burning them. Patrol vans, a police barracks, and other properties were also destroyed.

The chaos stemmed from allegations that police were attempting to shield criminals from justice by taking them into custody. According to Adejobi, “The main suspect was arrested and almost lynched by community members before police rescued him. His arrest led to the capture of three additional suspects.”

However, the police’s intervention provoked public outrage. “Some members of the community, dissatisfied with the police’s action, mobilized in large numbers, attacked the station, and killed the suspects by burning them along with the police station and its contents,” Adejobi explained.
The force called on citizens to refrain from taking the law into their hands and urged them to report criminal activities through lawful channels. Adejobi reiterated the importance of due process, emphasizing that no one has the right to circumvent the justice system or resort to extrajudicial killings.

The police further cautioned that continued acts of jungle justice would not only erode public confidence in law enforcement but also have dire consequences for Nigeria’s image on the international stage.