Oyo Police Constable Resigns Over Emotional Distress

A police constable in Oyo State has resigned from the Nigeria Police Force, citing prolonged emotional distress, depression, frustration and declining morale.

Police Constable Aibana Daniel, Force Number 533200, served with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) unit at Base 19 in Ibadan.

Daniel submitted his resignation in a letter dated 10 August 2026. He addressed it through the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, Eleyele, Ibadan, to the Inspector-General of Police at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja.

In the letter titled “Letter of Resignation from Nigeria Police Force”, Daniel said his resignation took effect on 10 August. He explained that the decision followed a “long period of personal struggle, emotional distress, and careful consideration”.

The constable said his mental and emotional state had deteriorated, leaving him struggling with daily feelings of depression, frustration and exhaustion.

“Despite my determination to remain committed to my duties, I have reached a point where I can no longer continue to endure the situation without serious consequences to my mental and emotional wellbeing,” Daniel wrote.

He said he had previously tried to remain in the Nigeria Police Force by requesting demobilisation and redeployment to another department. He believed a transfer would allow him to serve more effectively and regain his motivation.

“In an effort to preserve my career in the Force, I made several attempts to seek demobilization and redeployment to another department where I believed I could serve more effectively and regain my motivation,” he stated.

“Unfortunately, despite my repeated efforts and requests, I was not granted release from my current department.”

Daniel said he continued carrying out his duties while hoping conditions would improve, but his passion, morale and wellbeing continued to decline.

“I believe it would be unfair to the Force and to myself to remain in a position where I can no longer perform at my highest level,” he said.

He stressed that his resignation did not reflect a lack of appreciation for the Nigeria Police Force, describing the decision as necessary to protect his mental health and restore stability.

“It is therefore with deep respect and a heavy heart that I request the acceptance of my resignation,” he wrote.

Daniel thanked the police for the opportunity to serve the country and for the experience, training and professional development he gained before appealing to the Inspector-General of Police to approve his resignation.

Should police authorities do more to support officers facing prolonged workplace distress?