By Michael Akande

A viral video showing armed men, reportedly policemen, conducting an operation at a Ghanaian-owned recreational facility in Abuja has sparked widespread calls for a transparent investigation.
Consequently, concerned Nigerians are urging police authorities to identify those involved and clarify if the action was lawfully authorized.

The incident occurred on Monday, June 29, at the Gallery Clubhouse in River Park Estate. Footage circulating online showed armed officers, whom eyewitnesses alleged were from the Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) of the Nigeria Police Force, accompanying a group of men as part of the facility’s entrance was reportedly excavated.

Witnesses claim the officers prevented staff from intervening and did not disclose their legal authority when questioned. A tense exchange captured in the video showed an Assistant Superintendent of Police directing a staff member to stop filming, stating, “You can’t video me without my permission. You are infringing on my rights. I am giving you a lawful order; stop videoing me.” The officer advised the staff member to take complaints to a police station instead.

The staff member countered that he was recording , as he was heard insisting that “it is an illegal action to be destroying the place.”

Reacting to the development, residents and stakeholders warned that failure to address the matter could damage investor confidence.

One of them, Mr. Sajay Omagbemi, said , “ We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police and the Federal Government to ensure that justice is done and that the law takes its full course. We do not want anything that could create the impression of hostility towards foreign investments or trigger xenophobic sentiments. Nigeria has always been known as a welcoming nation, and we must protect that reputation.”

Others urged the Inspector-General of Police to institute a transparent probe, arguing a prompt resolution would reassure both local and foreign investors of Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law.

Efforts to obtain reactions from the management of River Park Estate and the Federal Capital Territory Police Command were unsuccessful as of filing this report. Police authorities had yet to react to the viral video.