U.S. Military Officer Details Violent Altercation With Police, Defended By Nigerian Army

“How my night ended, thanks to the Nigerian police. It could’ve been much worse if not for the intervention of the Nigerian Army and Captain Abdullah in the Air Force. Here’s the story, and I’ve seen firsthand that this organization is beyond reform.”

“Usually, when I go out, I’m never alone. I have a security detail, and most times, I wear a touch of camouflage. I’ve never been bothered. Tonight, I decided to go out by myself. I went to a rave, had fun, and then decided to check out another spot.”

“My cab had just pulled up when a police officer walked up to me, holding his weapon high. I asked him to at least lower it if we were going to have a conversation. Instead, he pushed me aggressively. As a soldier, my first instinct was to protect myself, so I quickly shoved his weapon aside.”

“At that moment, two other officers joined in, and one even fired his weapon, as if that would intimidate me. I guess that threw them off, and a fight ensued with all three of them. When they couldn’t take me down, they pepper-sprayed me.

“I didn’t even want to identify myself as anything other than a regular civilian. But I guess they thought my accent might intimidate me.”

“They said I would be taken to the station. About 10 minutes passed, and then four men arrived: three in military uniform and one in civilian clothes. As soon as they asked what was going on, I told them who I was. Immediately, the whole dynamic changed. The police officers began acting friendly and cooperative.”

“I simply told the military personnel that I wanted to go back to my hotel. Captain Abdullah offered to have his team take me, but I declined. I was just too upset. They helped flag down a taxi, and now I’m on my way as I type this.”