The inspector-general of police, IGP Usman Baba, has banned the use of unapproved uniforms or clothing by police officers while on routine operations.
The IGP equally expressed reservation 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 inscriptions like “Special Forces”, “Commando”, “Gallant MOPOL”, “Scorpion”, and others while on duty.
According to a statement by the acting Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP condemned the act noting that uniform, which is a means of identification, has been abused by these officers who engage in improper dressing.
The Police boss however ordered that all police officers detailed for patrol, stop and search, checkpoint, and other routine operational duties must be in approved uniforms for easy identification.
Furthermore, Police disciplinary units particularly the Force Provost Marshal, the IGP X-Squad and Monitoring Unit are to ensure strict enforcement of the directive with severe sanctions for erring officers.
The IGP also warned that all supervisory officers would be held vicariously liable in the event that personnel under their command violate the order.
The force high command assured the public of it’s commitment to promoting strategic police reforms geared at sanitizing operational engagements, and bequeathing to the nation a professional policing system as required.
