Police in Bayelsa are deploying operatives to monitor the activities of officers on duty posts.
It comes after the Inspector-General of Police issued a directive banning officers of the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and other tactical teams from routine low-risk duties.
The duties include stop and search, mounting roadblocks, checkpoints and conducting traffic checks.
The ban also means police officers are prohibited from official assignments while wearing mufti and invading personal privacy.
Police spokesman in Bayelsa, SP Asinim Butswat said officers in violation would face consequences.
“The Commissioner of Police Bayelsa State Command, CP Mike Okoli has warned the men of Special Anti Robbery Squad and other Tactical teams to comply with the IGPs directive,” said Butswat.
“Henceforth the Command will deploy operatives to covertly monitor the activities of Police officers.
“The CP also reechoed the IGPs directive that no personnel of the Force is authorized to embark on any assignment in mufti. They must always appear in their Police uniforms or approved tactical gear. The Tactical Squads are also warned against invasion of the privacy of citizens, particularly through indiscriminate and unauthorized search of mobile phones, laptops and other smart devices.
“There will be severe consequences for any officer that violates the IGP’s directive,” he said.
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