The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Mr Fatai Tijani, says the command will intensify enforcement against officers operating commercial vehicles and motorcycles in uniform, describing the practice as unprofessional.
Tijani stated this on Friday at the command headquarters in Ikeja when the news reporters , Lagos, paid a courtesy visit to the command.
The police boss said the command would strengthen enforcement to identify and apprehend the offenders.
“We have always maintained that security personnel should not operate commercial vehicles or okadas in their uniform.
“It is not good for the image of the security service and we will continue to enforce the directive against the practice,” he said.
Tijani, however, noted that many of those seen in security uniforms engaging in such activities were not serving police officers.
“Majority of them are not police personnel. Many are either dismissed officers or individuals unlawfully wearing police uniforms to impersonate security personnel and deceive members of the public,” he said.
The commissioner said the command would issue fresh directives to divisional police officers to arrest anyone found illegally wearing police uniforms or violating the directive.
He urged residents to report such persons to the police, assuring them that every report would be investigated promptly.
Tijani assured the public that the command would continue to enforce professional standards, while taking decisive action against impersonators and other offenders.
The commissioner reiterated the command’s commitment to maintaining discipline within the police force and strengthen public confidence through effective and professional policing.
Earlier, the Head of Lagos Operations, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, urged the command to address the increasing number of persons seen wearing security uniforms while driving commercial vehicles.
She said the trend was capable of tarnishing the image of the police and called for proactive measures to checkmate such abuse
She also encouraged the police to sustain efforts to ensure that the integrity of security agencies uniforms were protected.
Other members of the newsmen delegate include the Head of Lagos Editorial Operations, Mr Kevin Okunzuwa and the Head of Defence and Security desk, Ms Edith Bolokor.