By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Gombe State Command, were reportedly observed demanding fuel from motorists at a checkpoint near the new underpass construction site at Old Bauchi Motor Park, Gombe.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night along the Gombe-Bauchi Road, where patrol officers allegedly requested “two gallons of petrol” from traffic defaulters to facilitate the movement of their operational vehicle.
Among those detained was a journalist on night duty, stopped at approximately 10:00 PM due to a faulty motorcycle headlight. Although the journalist was using a flashlight (touch light) as a substitute to maintain visibility, officers delayed him for over 20 minutes, directly impacting a scheduled news broadcast.
The journalist recounted that officers initially threatened to impound his motorcycle and take it to the Pantami Division, stating it would only be released the following day after a mechanic repaired the lights on-site.
“After 15 minutes of appealing for leniency, one of the officers asked me to provide two gallons of petrol for their patrol vehicle if I wanted the immediate release of my motorcycle,” the journalist stated.
As the journalist continued to plead his case, citing his professional deadline and lack of funds, the officer eventually told him to “just do something and go” before referring him to the team lead, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The encounter reportedly turned tense when the ASP expressed anger over what he perceived as a lack of professional courtesy from the journalist. During the exchange, the senior officer highlighted the systemic challenges facing the patrol team.
“Do government give us fuel for the operation?” the ASP reportedly asked while addressing the journalist. “Government is not giving us any fuel to come out for your protection. We are here for your interest… how many people were attacked here? Their phones and bikes collected, but who is supporting us?”
After further appeals from the journalist and other bystanders, the ASP reluctantly ordered the release of the motorcycle. However, the delay had already resulted in the journalist missing his scheduled news delivery.
The incident was not isolated, as other motorists at the checkpoint were reportedly given similar ultimatums to provide fuel in exchange for the release of their vehicles.
The situation underscores ongoing concerns regarding the Nigerian Police Force, where a combination of low remuneration, inadequate operational funding, and a lack of basic requirements like fuel, continues to hamper professional conduct and fuel allegations of corruption on the field.