By Milcah Tanimu

The Nigeria Police Force has emphasized that officers engaged in stop-and-search duties must be in uniform with their names clearly displayed. This directive was made by the Force Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, in response to a video showing four policemen in plain clothes stopping a driver on the Lekki-Epe Express Way.

The officers, seeking the driver’s tinted permit, were themselves questioned about their identities, as nothing indicated they were policemen. Adejobi, in his response, confirmed that the officers had been traced to Zone 2 and identified. He mentioned that the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Zone 2 in Lagos is conducting an investigation, and the Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) will provide further details soon.

Adejobi reiterated that the NPF has issued an order that any policeman involved in routine patrol or stop-and-search must be in uniform, properly dressed, and easily identifiable. He emphasized that conducting stop-and-search operations in plain clothes is not ideal, as officers tend to misbehave when their identities are hidden.

He stated, “The audacity to misbehave or carry out unprofessional conduct comes when you know your identity is hidden and unknown.” Adejobi further emphasized that policemen in mufti should be engaged in surveillance or undercover activities and should not be seen carrying long-range guns or rifles. The directive aims to bring about standardization and maintain professionalism within the police force.