IGP bans police officers in mufti from carrying rifles

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has directed police officers to disarm when dressed in mufti.

He also asked the officers to conduct themselves professionally, warning them to avoid gross violations of human rights.

These were disclosed in a statement posted on Facebook by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

Adejobi said IGP Egbetokun gave the directives during a virtual meeting “with strategic police managers” on Monday.

“The Inspector-General of Police issued a stern warning to all officers regarding serious breaches of Human Rights, emphasising the duty of the force to uphold these rights,” he stated, saying the warning followed “various complaints regarding Human Rights Violations through the force’s complaint channels,” the statement said.

The police boss warned that misconduct would not be tolerated.

“The IGP also warned all tactical squads against the misuse of power and improper dressing, emphasising the importance of operating in approved uniforms,” he said.

Adejobi further said, “No operative should be seen carrying assault arms (rifles) while dressed in civilian attire (mufti). All tactical squads are to ensure compliance with the standard operating procedure, while properly dressed in the assigned uniform for the particular squad.”

Some Nigerian youth have experienced brutality and other forms of rights violations, especially by the police officers attached to the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).

The SARS officers, often dressed in mufti, were heavily armed. Their reign of brutality spurred the #EndSARS protests which later turned violent in some cities in Nigeria. It was one of the street demonstrations that the Nigerian government including the police won’t forget in a hurry. (Premium Times)