How GTA Roleplay Helps Nigerians Cope With Police Harassment

Virtual Roleplay Provides an Outlet for Processing Real-Life Encounters with Authorities

Gaming as a Reflection of Reality

In the bustling streets of Lagos, Nigeria, children engage in a familiar game—police and thief—where they chase each other, mimicking the enforcement of law and order. This innocent pastime mirrors a much grimmer reality many Nigerians face daily: harassment by law enforcement.

For Sodiq Taiwo, a digital marketer and avid gamer, this reality hit home when he discovered Nigerian streamer TacticalCeza on TikTok. Ceza, known for his immersive roleplay in Grand Theft Auto V (GTA) Online, recreates encounters between Nigerian police officers and civilians using the FiveM modification, which enables players to join customized servers. His portrayal resonates deeply with thousands of young Nigerians who have faced similar experiences.

In one such roleplay, Ceza’s in-game police character stops a motorist, demands to know his occupation, seizes his phone, and coerces him into withdrawing money before letting him go. The scenario is eerily similar to real-life incidents where Nigerian police officers extort civilians under the guise of routine checks.

For Taiwo, who had just experienced a similar encounter in real life, watching Ceza’s content felt like stepping into a virtual Lagos that mirrors reality—one where he could process his frustration in a controlled environment.

The Power of Satire in Addressing Police Harassment

In 2020, Nigeria saw a nationwide uprising against police brutality with the #EndSARS movement, demanding an end to profiling, extortion, and violence by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS). While the protests sparked global attention, systemic abuse persists. Reports indicate that between 2020 and 2024, over 2,000 cases of police misconduct were officially documented.

Gaming, particularly through satirical roleplay, has become a new medium for activism. TacticalCeza’s content reflects the everyday struggles of Nigerian youth, using humor to shed light on serious issues.

Despite his growing popularity, Ceza has not been immune to controversy. When he posted a video apologizing to the Nigerian president for laughing at a public mishap, some speculated that he had been coerced, mistaking his microphone for a weapon. Though he later clarified the misunderstanding, the incident highlighted the delicate nature of critiquing authority in Nigeria.

“Knowing your rights isn’t enough to survive in Nigeria,” Ceza notes, emphasizing that his roleplay aims to educate as well as entertain.

Gaming as a Tool for Cultural and Political Expression

The global gaming industry generated over $187 billion in 2024, surpassing both the film and music industries combined. While Nigeria’s gaming community is still growing, it is increasingly becoming a platform for social commentary and activism.

Joost Vervoort, a scholar specializing in digital culture, explains that video games serve as a cultural mirror, allowing communities to explore and critique social norms through interactive storytelling.

Gaming platforms worldwide have been used for activism. For example:

Roblox hosted virtual protests in solidarity with Palestinian activists.
Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement utilized gaming as a medium for political expression.
Black Lives Matter supporters have used virtual spaces to amplify their message.

In Nigeria, GTA roleplay is filling a similar role, providing a safe space to confront harsh realities without real-world consequences.

The Evolution of Nigerian Storytelling Through Gaming

For decades, Nigerian musicians and filmmakers have used their art to highlight injustice. Songs like Falz’s “This Is Nigeria”, Burna Boy’s “Monsters You Made”, and films like Oloture have tackled themes of corruption and oppression. Now, gaming is emerging as the next frontier for storytelling and resistance.

As the streaming industry grows, gaming is set to become an even stronger medium for activism. TacticalCeza believes it will put Nigerian voices on the global map, expanding awareness of the country’s social issues.

“It’s a new field, and I’m glad it’s growing,” he says.

For players like Taiwo, GTA roleplay offers catharsis and community—a way to navigate frustrations and engage with others who share similar experiences.

“You’d think I’d want to escape this reality, but playing it like this makes it feel less maddening. At least here, I know it’s not real.”

Conclusion

Grand Theft Auto roleplay has evolved beyond just a game—it has become a cultural commentary on police brutality in Nigeria. By merging satire, storytelling, and social activism, TacticalCeza and other Nigerian gamers are shaping conversations around accountability, resistance, and survival in an often unjust system.

As gaming continues to grow as a medium for change, it holds the potential to not only entertain but also empower a generation of Nigerians seeking justice in both virtual and real worlds.