NIGERIA: IGP bans use of unapproved uniforms, outfits on routine operations, orders strict compliance

By KEMI KASUMU

“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.

Operatives of Nigerian Police Force on routine operations have been banned from using unapproved uniforms and outfits while on routine operations, as those found to flout the order will be made to face the wrath of the law.

The order, according to Acting Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, was given on Friday by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba.

In a statement with Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.4/90 dated March 11, 2022 and copy of which was obtained by The DEFENDER on Friday, the nation’s Police Spokesman said:

“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 Adejob, mnipr, mipra, said.