In a move aimed at strengthening the professionalism and accountability of Nigeria’s police force, the Assistant Inspector General (AIG) of Police for Zone 13, Abayomi Oladipo, has issued a stern directive to all police personnel under his command. Officers in Anambra and Enugu States are to refrain from wearing masks during their duties. This instruction was delivered on Wednesday during a one-day official visit to Enugu, where Mr. Oladipo addressed senior police officers.
Oladipo emphasized that wearing masks is not authorized as part of the police uniform, and under no circumstances should officers wear unauthorized attire while on duty. “It is never part of the police uniform, and no superior officer should allow their subordinates to dress in such a manner,” he asserted.
In addition to the mask mandate, the AIG also instructed officers to dismantle any materials they might place on the road during stop-and-search operations. He warned that leaving such objects unattended could lead to accidents at night or be exploited by criminals posing as police personnel.
He stressed the importance of vigilance, urging officers to stay alert at their duty posts and remain aware of their surroundings. “The possibility of being attacked is ever-present, and your families, loved ones, and the Nigeria Police Force need you alive,” Oladipo remarked.
The AIG also highlighted that any officer involved in corrupt activities would face strict punishment. “If you are found wanting on issues of corruption, the consequences will be severe,” he warned, affirming that measures were in place to ensure accountability.
Additionally, Mr. Oladipo underscored the necessity for officers to remain accessible to the public for complaints, stressing that it was crucial for senior officers to monitor the activities of their subordinates to prevent any actions that might tarnish the force’s image. “Those who collude with criminals, yahoo boys, and ritualists will be exposed and dealt with,” he added.
In terms of welfare, Oladipo urged personnel to ensure that their records were accurately filled out, particularly regarding next-of-kin details, to avoid complications in case of emergencies.
The AIG commended the Enugu State Police Command for its proactive approach to maintaining security, acknowledging the efforts of Enugu’s Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, and his team in ensuring safety for both residents and investors in the state.
Earlier, Commissioner Giwa had discussed the challenges facing the command, including inadequate manpower and limited logistics. However, he highlighted that despite these challenges, Enugu remained one of the safest states in the South-East and a beacon of peace in the country. He assured that with new security strategies, including rural community patrols, the command would continue to reduce crime and eliminate safe havens for criminals.
Mr. Oladipo, who is also the supervisory AIG for the Enugu Police Command, took the opportunity to tour several police formations, including mobile police and tactical units, as well as the Police College and Detective College in Oji River.
