The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has barred all police officers from carrying out certain security operations on mufti.

This was disclosed by the Force Acting Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in a statement titled, ‘ IGP Bans Unapproved Uniforms, Outfits On Routine Operations,’ on Friday.

According to Adejobi, the IGP 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.

He said, “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, checkpoint, and other routine operational duties must be in approved uniforms for easy identification.

“Consequently, the IGP has ordered 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.”