A disturbing organ harvesting attempt sparks national outrage as Nigerians demand a ban on Sienna and minibuses for police patrols
[dropcap]A[/dropcap] harrowing experience involving suspected fake policemen has ignited public anger across Nigeria, leading to widespread calls for a total ban on the use of Toyota Sienna and other minibuses as police patrol vehicles.
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The incident, shared by social media user @iam_polymath, involved the attempted kidnap of his brother, who was dragged from a Bolt ride in Port Harcourt by armed men disguised as police officers.
The assailants forced the victim into a minibus, tied his hands, seized his phone, and violently interrogated him.
According to the post, the victim was only released after the impostors discovered photos of a recent kidney surgery on his phone.
Believing his organs were no longer usable, they let him go after robbing him of ₦80,000.
“We can’t tell who is and who isn’t a police officer anymore. Even real officers are in the trade of organ harvesting,” wrote @iam_polymath. “You’re better off being shot to death on the spot than following them in that Sienna.”
The terrifying ordeal has fuelled rising distrust in security operatives and triggered national demands for police reform.
Many Nigerians are calling on the Nigeria Police Force to adopt a single, identifiable vehicle brand for official use to prevent criminal impersonation.
Another concerned user wrote:
“Why can’t we have official police vehicles in this country? Why all these Sienna and minibuses? There should be standardisation.”
Critics believe the current lack of regulation on police patrol vehicles provides cover for illegal activities, including kidnappings and organ trafficking.
Many are urging the Nigerian government to prioritise the safety of citizens by enforcing identifiable police mobility and stricter identification protocols.
This is one of many recent cases pointing to an alarming trend.
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As fear spreads, citizens say the government’s silence only deepens suspicion and signals disregard for public safety.
I just received an almost sad news from Nigeria.
Organ harvesters disguised as police officer kidnapped my brother off his bolt ride and tried to take him to bayelsa from
Portharcourt.The stopped the bolt ride and forced my brother out of it. Holding him by his shorts and…
— CHIZOM (@iam_polymath) April 21, 2025
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
