KEY POINTS

• The police policy now blocks police officers dressed in civilian clothes from using rifles in their duties.
• This directive constitutes part of the strategy to reduce human rights violations in police operations.
• The Police Force now prohibits all unauthorized transfers of cases that need IGP authorization.

According to the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun all police officers carrying rifles in civilian clothing (mufti) must stop this practice.

The principal serves as a response to rising human rights abuses along with police use of power that exceeds proper boundaries.

Strengthening professional conduct

The Notification happened during Egbetokun’s virtual meeting with police leaders who heard that any rights violations by police members will receive major disciplinary actions.

Adejobi stated through a statement that the Forces public relations officer validated the updated directive since it upholds both reinforcement of professional standards and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.

The IGP explicitly declared tactical squad officers should not use their assault weapons when working in civilian dress according to Adejobi.

The Nigeria Police Force requires all personnel to maintain strict compliance with standard operating procedures along with proper uniform requirements during their official shifts.

Crackdown on misuse of power

The police chief issued a warning which combined the firearms directive with new protocols targeting tactical squad power misuses and case transfers requiring written inspector general office consent.

Adejobi declared that unregulated case transfers generate excessive workloads which blocks judicial proceedings. The improper transfer of cases without written authorization from the Inspector-General’s office will face extreme consequences.

Police leaders further directed all personnel of the force to work together in stopping activities which would damage the professional image of law enforcement.

The implemented measures form part of an ongoing initiative to restore public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force through practices of professional accountability.