Egbetokun bans officers from bearing arms while in mufti

Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), has warned police officers against bearing arms when dressed in civilian garbs.  

Egbetokun spoke on Monday during a virtual meeting with senior strategic managers.

In a statement issued by Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, the IGP was also quoted as warning police officers against infringing on the human rights of citizens.

Egbetokun said any conduct of police officers that violates the rights of any citizen would not be tolerated.

The IGP also frowned at the indiscriminate transfer of cases without his approval.

“The inspector-general of police issued a stern warning to all officers regarding serious breaches of Human Rights, emphasizing the duty of the Force to uphold these rights,” the statement reads.

“The IGP frowns against such acts, having received various complaints regarding human rights violations through the Force’s complaint channels.

“The IGP states that any conduct violating human rights will not be tolerated and will be met with severe consequences.

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

“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.

“The IGP further emphasized on the indiscriminate transfer of cases without the written approval of the IGP. 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.”

This is not the first time an IGP would be issuing these directives — which are immediately trampled on by police officers.