IGP Frowns at Abuse of Police Dress Code, Bans Use of Unapproved Uniforms, Outfits
• Orders strict enforcement by Disciplinary and Monitoring Units
By Paul Michael, Defence Editor, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, on Friday frowned at the abuse of approved Nigeria Police Force (NPF) dress code by men on patrol and guard, stop and search, and other routine police operations. Saying that the officers have formed the habit of wearing t-shirts and face caps with inscriptions like “Special Forces”, “Commando”, “Gallant MOPOL”, “SCORPION”, among others while on duty.
IGP Baba, therefore, ordered the immediate ban on the use of unapproved uniforms and outfits by Police Officers while on duty The Trumpet gathered.
The ban was announced by Acting Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, adding that the IGP described the used of unapproved apparels by officers on duty as unacceptable.
“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,” he said.
Read Also: 174 Terrorists Surrender as Troops Neutralize Boko Haram, Bandits, Others
CSP Adejobi further added that the IGP ordered all Police disciplinary and monitoring units to enforce the ban with severe sanctions for erring officers.
“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,’ he stated.
