Uniform Requirement for Routine Stop and Search Operations, Emphasizes Police Spokesperson

In a recent tweet, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, clarified the essential requirement for police officers engaged in routine stop and search operations – they must be in uniform.

Adejobi emphasized the impracticality of conducting stop-and-search operations while dressed in mufti, stressing the significance of visible and identifiable attire.

Exceptions for Officers in Mufti: Surveillance and Undercover Operations

Adejobi clarified that officers permitted to wear mufti are those involved in surveillance or undercover operations.

However, he underscored the importance of these officers refraining from displaying long-range guns or rifles, maintaining a balance between maintaining anonymity and adhering to professional standards.

Addressing Unprofessional Conduct: A Call for Identity Transparency

Highlighting the correlation between unprofessional conduct and hidden identities, Adejobi expressed concerns about the audacity to misbehave when an officer’s identity is concealed.

By insisting on visible uniforms during routine patrols and stop-and-search duties, the Nigeria Police Force aims to deter unprofessional behavior and enhance accountability.

Reiteration of the Standard: Policemen on Patrol Must Be in Uniform

Reiterating the standard operating procedure, Adejobi emphasized that policemen engaged in stop and search and routine patrols must adhere to the uniform requirement.

This, according to him, aligns with the established norms within the police force.

He urged the Departmental Police Officers (DPOs) and Heads of Departments (HODs) to enforce and emphasize this directive to bring about a sense of order, sanity, and standardization in police operations.