Ngozi James
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Baba, has expressed his dismay at what he described as 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.
The IGP decried that some Police Officers have formed the habit of wearing t-shirts and face caps with “Special Forces”, “Commando”, “Gallant MOPOL”, “SCORPION”, and other inscriptions while on duty.
To this end the IGP ordered an immediate ban on such unapproved apparels.
Baba described as unacceptable, the use of unapproved apparels noting that uniforms, which is a means of identification, has been abused by officers who engage in improper dressing.
He equally decried 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 IGP also 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.
Baba assured Nigerians 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.