The Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, through a statement released yesterday in Abuja by its Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has ordered the arrest and prosecution of persons or groups engaging in unauthorised sale of police uniforms and accoutrements.
He said the IG had directed all Commands, Formations, the IG-P Monitoring Unit, Provost Marshals and X-Squad to ensure the arrest and immediate prosecution of offenders within their jurisdiction in accordance with the law.
The IG also cautioned film or skit makers who portray police officers in bad light, without applying and getting permit letters for such portrayals to desist with immediate effect or face the full wrath of the law.
Baba pledged the commitment of the force to guarantee compliance with law, adding that the FPRO had been directed to ensure prompt authorisation for all applications seeking usage of police items in movies.
He said such application would be granted in tandem with the extant laws and would portray good values, impress positively on the Nigerian public and be of value to the system.
“It is obvious that this step will surely curb proliferation of Police kits, uniforms and accoutrements and eventually reduce police impostors-induced crimes,” he said.