The Inspector-General of Police, 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 directives were disclosed in a statement posted on Facebook by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), Olumuyiwa Adejobi. Mr Adejobi said Mr Egbetokun gave the directives during a virtual meeting “with strategic police managers” on Monday.
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.
“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 IGP also warned all tactical squads against the misuse of power and improper dressing, emphasising the importance of operating in approved uniforms,”Mr Adejobi further stated. “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.”
Also, Mr Adejobi stated that the police boss spoke on the “indiscriminate transfer of cases” without his approval. The Nigeria Police Force is suffering a good image crisis, a deteriorating situation that is eroding public trust in the force. Following the killings and arbitrary arrests and detention of #EndBadGovernance protesters last August, the police would later set up an investigative committee that disputed the independent findings of media organisations and rights groups such as Amnesty International (AI).
“This conduct is highly prohibited and would no longer be tolerated, as such exposes the parties to unnecessary burdens and delayed justice in their cases,” he added. “The IGP concluded by directing that all ranks must work collaboratively to prevent any irresponsible acts that can tarnish the reputation of the Force.”
The police boss’s latest directive is seen as a move to address the lingering issues of police brutality and misconduct. By banning police officers from carrying rifles while dressed in mufti, the IGP aims to reduce the risk of human rights violations.
The Nigeria Police Force has faced criticism in the past for human rights violations, particularly during the #EndSARS protests. The IGP’s directives aim to restore public trust in the force and ensure that police officers conduct themselves professionally.
The success of the IGP’s directives depends on the willingness of police officers to comply and adapt to the new guidelines. If implemented effectively, these directives could mark a significant step towards reforming the Nigeria Police Force and improving its relationship with the public.
Source : https://www.premiumtimesng.com/
