By Uche Amunike
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has relaunched the newly approved standardized Supernumerary Police (SPY) uniforms and kits for supernumerary policemen, instructing every Police training school to adopt the new issuance model for all SPY Police officers.
Speaking, during the launch, Egbetokun, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Finance, and Administration, DIG Bala Ciroma, disclosed that the event marked an important milestone and a crucial step in their efforts at encouraging professionalism and visibility of supernumerary police officers.
He stated: ‘Section 21(7) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020 {as amended}, formally establishes the Supernumerary Police as an integral unit within the Nigeria Police Force.’
‘The Act further defines their powers, privileges, and functions, as well as their supervision by the Nigeria Police Force, including their uniforms and accoutrements thereby ensuring a standardized visual identity.’
‘Pursuant to Section 21 of the same Act, private organizations or government departments seeking to utilize the services of the Supernumerary Police for the protection of their owned or controlled properties may submit an application to the Inspector-General of Police.’
He explained that the SPY unit, even though it has been an important and desirable part of the Force, has faced difficulties in establishing a distinct identity, because of a lack of a standardised and distinctive uniform, which has continued to be a major problem.
He explained: ‘Attempts to create and enhance its identity have been significantly impeded by the lack of a standardized and distinctive uniform, which has persisted as a major obstacle.’
‘Upon assuming office, the current Force Management Team recognized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to leverage the support of the Supernumerary Police Unit to augment our Guard and Protective commitment nationwide.’
He further stated: ‘This was in consideration of the paucity of personnel to provide guard duties for all companies and institutions, and the need for better coordination of Supernumerary Police nationwide. Consequently, on December 6, 2023, the Force Management Team under my leadership, appointed Prof. Abiola Allen, as the Commissioner of Police (SPY), to coordinate Supernumerary Police operations across the country.’
He explained that the force had to engage Messrs Synveego Nigerian Limited to check the task of standardising and redesigning the SPY police uniforms as part of the initiative to revitalise SPY operations across the country. This was done in accordance with the Police Act 2020.
He reiterated that it helped to ensure that all SPY officers show a professional and well groomed image that is commensurate with their responsibilities, while also, checkmating abuse and misuse of the regular police uniforms and ensuring that SPY police officers are uniquely dressed.
The IGP expressed delight of the police force to relaunch the meticulously crafted design that was endorsed by the Force Management Team. He also mandated that every organization making use of SPY police officers should strictly keep to the new standardized uniforms while assuring that the Force Quartermaster and personnel across the states will provide guidance on its registration and acquisition. He also instructed every Police training school to adopt the new uniform and issuance model for SPY police personnel.
According to him, the Nigerian Police Force is seriously taking measures that will prevent the unauthorized production and distribution of their uniforms, including the SPY police uniform, even as they are committed to ensuring the integrity of their uniforms.
