This was contained in a
statement signed by by DCP Frank Mba, Force Public relations officer.
The press release reads
in part, “In addition, no personnel of the Force is authorised to embark on
patrols or tactical assignments in mufti. They must always appear in their
police uniforms or approved tactical gear. The IGP’s directives come against
the backdrop of findings by the leadership of the Force that a few personnel of
the Tactical Squads hide under these guise to perpetrate all forms of
illegality, contrary to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), Code of Conduct
and Rules of Engagement establishing the squads.
“Specifically, the IGP
has warned the Tactical Squads against
the invasion of the privacy of citizens particularly through indiscriminate and
unauthorised search of mobile phones, laptops and other smart devices. They are
to concentrate and respond only to cases of armed robbery, kidnapping and other
violent crimes when the need arises.
The IGP notes that the
FSARS and other Police Tactical Squads remain a critical component of the Force
in confronting prevailing and emerging violent crimes in the country. He
however condemns every act of unprofessionalism, abuse of human rights and
high-handedness by some personnel of the Squads. He has therefore ordered the
X-Squad and the Monitoring Unit to embark on
immediate and massive nationwide monitoring of activities of Tactical
Squads and other police officers on the road. They are to ensure prompt arrest,
investigation and prosecution of all erring police officers who violate these
directives and other extant regulations of the Force.
The IGP has equally warned,
that henceforth, the Commissioner of Police in charge of FSARS, Commissioners
of Police in charge of State Commands and the FCT as well as their supervisory
Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police, will be held liable for any
misconduct within their Area of Responsibility (AOR). He therefore charged them
to ensure effective supervision and mentoring of the personnel of the Tactical
Squads under their jurisdiction.
Meanwhile, two
operatives of the FSARS and their civilian accomplice operating in Lagos State,
INSPR Sale James, INSPR Monday Uchiola and Okechukwu Ogbonna, have been
arrested by the Lagos State Police Command, for acts of professional misconduct
including extortion and intimidation of innocent citizens. The operational
vehicle of the men has also been impounded and disciplinary procedure has
already commenced against the defaulters.
The IGP reaffirms his commitment to bequeathing to Nigerians, a reformed Police Force that is accountable, responsible and ever ready to defend and uphold the rights of the citizens while discharging its duties of keeping the people safe and secure. He enjoins the citizens not to allow the misconduct by a few personnel of the Force to negatively impact on their belief, confidence and trust in the Police.
