The Nigeria Police Force said officers on stop-and-search duties must be in uniform with their names attached.
The Force Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, made this declaration in a post on his X handle on Monday.
The requirement for officers on stop-and-search duties to be in uniform with their names attached is a crucial step towards ensuring transparency in law enforcement activities. A visible uniform not only establishes the authority of the officers but also allows citizens to easily identify them as legitimate representatives of the police force. This measure is fundamental in preventing potential abuses of power and promoting a sense of security among the public.
The force spokesperson was reacting to a video in which four policemen in mufti stopped a driver on Lekki-Epe Express Way.
The officers had approached the man to ask for his tinted permit, but he replied by asking for their identities, saying there was nothing to indicate they were policemen.
Public trust in law enforcement is a cornerstone of a functional and harmonious society. Requiring officers to be in uniform with identifiable names fosters a sense of accountability and professionalism. When citizens can easily recognize and verify the identity of officers, it contributes to a positive perception of the police force and promotes a collaborative relationship between law enforcement and the community.
But, reacting to the development, Adejobi said the policemen “have been traced to Zone 2 and identified,” adding that “the AIG Zone 2 Lagos is investigating, while the PPRO Zone 2 will speak to it as soon as possible.”
He said the NPF had ordered that any policeman embarking on routine patrol or stop-and-search must be in uniform, properly dressed, and easily identified.
Adejobi maintained that it is not ideal to be on patrol while in mufti, saying policemen misbehave when they know their identities are hidden and unknown.
“You will recall that we have ordered and announced that any policeman embarking on routine patrol or stop and search must be in uniform, properly dressed, and easily identified. It’s not ideal to carry out a stop-and-search in mufti.
“The audacity to misbehave or carry out unprofessional conduct comes when you know your identity is hidden and unknown. I still reiterate that policemen on stop-and-search and routine patrol must be in uniform. That is the standard in the police,” Adejobi said.
He added that “policemen in mufti are supposed to be on surveillance or undercover and not to be seen with long-range guns or rifles.
“This is what our DPOs and HODs should emphasize and enforce to bring sanity and standardization.”
The Nigeria Police Force’s decision to mandate officers on stop-and-search duties to be in uniform with their names attached is a positive stride towards reinforcing transparency and accountability. By addressing the concerns raised in the incident on the Lekki-Epe Express Way, the police force is taking a proactive step to build and maintain public trust. This measure not only enhances the professionalism of law enforcement but also contributes to a safer and more cooperative relationship between the police and the communities they serve. As the nation progresses, initiatives that prioritize accountability and transparency in policing are crucial for fostering a society where citizens can feel secure and confident in the integrity of law enforcement processes.
