The House of Representatives has directed the Inspector General of Police and the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to immediately enforce full compliance with existing laws requiring officers on checkpoints, patrols, and stop-and-search operations to appear in uniform with visible identification.
This resolution followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Osonwa, who raised alarm over the growing presence of plain-clothed security operatives at checkpoints across the country.
Osonwa described the development as a “dangerous climate of ambiguity,” warning that it has become increasingly difficult for citizens to distinguish between genuine security personnel and criminal impersonators.
“The House is worried over the rising cases of extortion, harassment, and abuse of power by some of these unidentified officers,” he said, adding that the lack of proper identification hinders accountability and makes it hard to track errant personnel.
He cautioned that the continued disregard for uniform and identification protocols could endanger travellers, especially as the Christmas and New Year festivities approach.
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According to him, “Failure to enforce uniform and identification protocols damages the reputation of security agencies and erodes the already fragile trust between the forces and the citizens they are meant to protect.”
Adopting the motion, the House mandated its Committees on Police Affairs and Interior to summon the heads of the affected agencies to explain the persistent non-compliance and to present a clear timeline for full enforcement.
The committees were also directed to embark on an oversight visit to affected areas to monitor compliance and submit a report to the House within six weeks.