BY IDAHOSA MUSA
BENIN CITY (EDO STATE) – A new Nollywood film, Greatest Oath (The Rescue), produced by Ocean Portal in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, premiered on Sunday in Benin with a strong message on law enforcement, community trust, and national security.
The premiere, which drew security officials, filmmakers, and members of the public, served as both an entertainment showcase and a civic forum, as senior police officers used the occasion to clarify the powers, responsibilities, and ethical expectations of law enforcement personnel.
Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Victor Isuku, speaking at the event, explained that the police have the authority to enter a suspect’s home, even by breaking doors or accessing ceilings, if the suspect resists arrest.
He cautioned the public against obstructing arrests, urging instead that grievances against officers be reported through proper channels for disciplinary action.
Isuku also addressed common public concerns about police operations.
He reiterated that bail is free, phone searches must only be carried out in cybercrime cases, and checkpoints are set up for crime prevention, not harassment.
“The Inspector General frowns at unethical practices. The police will not just stop you on the road and begin to search you, it is wrong. But when a cybercrime is suspected, officers are empowered to examine devices,” he said.
On broader challenges, he highlighted funding gaps in the force, calling on communities to support police operations with equipment and logistics, instead of giving cash.
The Executive Producer of Greatest Oath (The Rescue), Dickson Oviase, said the project was inspired by the #EndSARS protest and its aftermath, stressing the need to heal divisions and strengthen trust between the police and the public.
“The consciousness of the necessity of the Nigerian Police pervaded everywhere during that period. Imagine a society without the police, it would be chaos. This film is a call for unity, love, and stronger community policing,” Oviase said.
Zone 5 Police Spokesman, Tijani Momoh, described the collaboration as a creative tool to sensitize the public on the role of the force, adding that the police also provided logistics and equipment support during the production.
The film, which highlights the risks and sacrifices of officers while exploring the challenges of policing in Nigeria, is expected to tour cinemas nationwide as part of a public enlightenment campaign.
