A video circulating on social media has sparked widespread criticism after a Nigerian police officer was seen firing multiple shots into the air at the prompting of a TikTok content creator.
The footage, shared by a TikToker identified as @matta.omo.afusatu, popularly known as Matta (Lee), shows the officer discharging his weapon along a highway reportedly on the Oyo–Ilorin Road. Other uniformed officers were visible at the scene as the gunshots rang out.
In the clip, the TikToker is heard encouraging the officer to shoot, suggesting that payment had already been made. After one round of shots, he reportedly offered an additional N20,000 for another discharge, asking the officer to repeat the act.
The incident has reignited public debate over the handling and misuse of firearms by security personnel, particularly in non-threatening situations.
The development recalls a similar case in 2023 when three officers of the Nigeria Police Force were dismissed for firing shots into the air while escorting Dauda Adamu Kahutu, widely known as Dauda Adamu Kahutu, a prominent praise singer associated with the All Progressives Congress.
The officers — Inspector Dahiru Shuaibu, Sergeant Abdullahi Badamasi, and Sergeant Isah Danladi — were attached to the musician during an assignment in Kano when they repeatedly discharged their weapons at a public gathering in Kahutu Village, Katsina State.
At the time, then Force Public Relations Officer Olumuyiwa Adejobi condemned the action, describing it as a breach of police regulations and a reckless endangerment of lives, particularly as children were reportedly present at the venue.
He stated that the conduct violated standard operating procedures and existing force directives prohibiting the indiscriminate firing of live ammunition. The officers were subsequently removed from service over what authorities described as misuse of firearms, abuse of power, and gross indiscipline.
Police authorities have consistently warned personnel to adhere strictly to operational guidelines and the law, stressing that violations could attract severe disciplinary measures.
Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DVOFgxzDGQC/?igsh=MW51cTFkM2hvNzI2dw==
