The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered an immediate ban on the use of unapproved uniforms by police officers on duty.
The Acting Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
The IG had expressed dismay over 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.
According to him, the 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.
Baba, who described the use of unapproved apparel as unacceptable, added that uniform, which was a means of identification, had been abused by officers who engaged in improper dressing.
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He lamented the fear the unwholesome practice would create in the minds of innocent Nigerians.
Baba, therefore, 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.
He said:
All Police disciplinary units particularly the Force Provost Marshal, the I-G X-Squad and Monitoring Unit must ensure the strict enforcement of the directive with severe sanctions for erring officers.
All supervisory officers would be held vicariously liable in the event that personnel under their command violate this order.
He pledged the commitment of the Force leadership to promote strategic police reforms geared at sanitising operational engagements, bequeathing to the nation, a professional policing system as required.
