IGP has banned unapproved outfits for police officers on duty.
Glamtush reports that the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali, has warned police officers against the use of mufti and unauthorized outfits while on duty.
This online platform understands that Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement on Friday.
“The IGP has described as unacceptable, the use of unapproved apparels noting that uniforms, which is a means of identification, has been abused by these officers who engage in improper dressing. He equally decries the fear this unwholesome practice creates in the minds of innocent Nigerians.
“The IGP therefore ordered that henceforth, all police officers detailed for patrol, stop and search, check point, and other routine operational duties must be in approved uniforms for easy identification,” the statement said.
The IGP’s warning comes amidst public outcry against police officers who conduct official duties in mufti.
Some of the police formations notorious for for not wearing proper uniforms are the defunct Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), the Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Anti Car theft, amongst others.
While sounding the warning to the police, the IGP said he has drafted the relevant departments of the police to ensure compliance.
Read the full statement:
IGP BANS USE OF UNAPPROVED UNIFORMS, OUTFITS, ON ROUTINE OPERATIONS
- Orders Provost, IGP Monitoring Unit to Ensure Strict Enforcement
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, fdc, has expressed dismay at the flagrant violation of the approved Nigeria Police Force dress code by officers on patrol and guard, stop and search, and other routine police operations; who have formed the habit of wearing t-shirts and face caps with “Special Forces”, “Commando”, “Gallant MOPOL”, “SCORPION”, and other inscriptions while on duty. Premised on this, the IGP has ordered an immediate ban on such unapproved apparels.
The IGP has described as unacceptable, the use of unapproved apparels noting that uniforms, which is a means of identification, has been abused by these officers who engage in improper dressing. He equally decries the fear this unwholesome practice creates in the minds of innocent Nigerians. The IGP therefore ordered that henceforth, all police officers detailed for patrol, stop and search, check point, and other routine operational duties must be in approved uniforms for easy identification.
Consequently, the IGP has ordered that all Police disciplinary units particularly the Force Provost Marshal, the IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit to ensure the strict enforcement of the directive with severe sanctions for erring officers. The IGP has equally warned that all supervisory officers would be held vicariously liable in the event that personnel under their command violate this order.
The Inspector-General of Police has assured well-meaning members of the public that the Force leadership is committed to promoting strategic police reforms geared at sanitizing operational engagements, and bequeathing to the nation a professional policing system as required.
CSP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra
Ag. FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS
ABUJA