The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) against carrying rifles while dressed in civilian attire (mufti) and engaging in human rights violations.
According to a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP gave the directive during a virtual meeting with senior strategic managers at the Force Headquarters.
Egbetokun noted that the Force had received numerous complaints regarding human rights abuses through its official complaint channels, making it necessary to caution officers against such misconduct.
He stressed that any further violations of human rights would attract severe consequences, urging officers to desist from abusing their authority and to maintain proper dressing standards.
‘No operative should be seen carrying assault rifles while dressed in civilian attire (mufti). All tactical squads must adhere to the standard operating procedures and ensure they are properly attired in the designated uniforms for their respective units’.
Adejobi further stated that the IGP condemned the indiscriminate transfer of cases without his written approval, describing the practice as ‘highly prohibited’ and warning that it would no longer be tolerated.
‘Such actions impose unnecessary burdens on the parties involved and lead to delays in justice’, he added.
The statement concluded with the IGP directing all officers, regardless of rank, to work collaboratively to prevent any misconduct that could tarnish the reputation of the Force.
