Nigerians in Diaspora Organzation condemns viral video of Chinese giving cash to police, demands disciplinary action.
SAHARA REPORTERS
The footage, initially posted on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media platform, quickly went viral, sparking heated discussions in both China and Nigeria.
The Nigerians In Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), China Chapter, has expressed deep outrage and embarrassment over a video showing Chinese nationals in Nigeria lining up uniformed Nigerian police officers and handing them money in a public display.
The footage, initially posted on WeChat, a popular Chinese social media platform, quickly went viral, sparking heated discussions in both China and Nigeria.
The video, according to observers, portrayed the officers as passive recipients of charity from the Chinese group — an act many have condemned as demeaning and damaging to Nigeria’s image.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian community in China, the Acting President of NIDO China, issued a statement on Monday condemning the incident.
“This video has caused a very big embarrassment, not just to the Nigerian Police Force, but to the dignity of our nation and its people — particularly to us in the diaspora here,” he said.
He added, “It has sparked conversations about our integrity, our sovereignty, and how our institutions are perceived globally.”
According to the statement, members of the Nigerian diaspora in China swiftly mobilised to have the video taken down. They reported it to WeChat moderators and also contacted the individuals who posted the video. Their efforts were successful, and the video was eventually deleted.
However, the diaspora leader warned that the damage had already been done.
“Even Chinese locals questioned the video. They asked —.why would anyone do this in Nigeria when it would never be allowed here in China?” he said. “Who gave them the authority? The sad truth is — we did, by allowing such acts to go unchecked in our own country.”
She emphasised that the act of uniformed officers receiving money from foreign nationals in such a public and performative manner sends a dangerous message about the professionalism and autonomy of Nigeria’s security institutions.
“This is unacceptable. This can totally undermine the diplomatic standards of engagement between China and Nigeria,” he said. “It reinforces a very dangerous perception that African institutions are up for patronage.”
Calling for urgent reform, she appealed to the Nigerian government and police leadership to take the incident as a wake-up call.
“We’re not charity beggars. We must demand mutual respect in all international dealings—not handouts.”
“Nigerian Police Force — you represent us. You are on the frontlines. You cannot do this.”
She further urged authorities to retrain members of the police force on ethics, public conduct, and national identity, insisting that the incident was not an isolated one.
“This is getting out of hand. We’ve seen Chinese people go to other African countries and pull off similar acts—posting such degrading videos on WeChat and laughing about it. This has to stop, and it must stop from home.”
The diaspora leader commended the Nigerian communities abroad for standing up and pushing back against what he described as “a disgrace.”
She urged the wider public to share the video and the message widely so that it reaches policymakers and those in power.
“To our leaders and everyone concerned—please double down on reforms that protect our national pride. This is a call to action.”
THIS STORY ORIGINALLY APPEARED AT THE SAHARA REPORTERS