The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has relaunched the newly approved Standardized Supernumerary Police (SPY) uniforms and kits......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
When the uniforms and kits were introduced, IGP Egbetokun gave all Police Training Schools instructions to implement the new uniform issue model for SPY Police officers.
The IGP who was represented at the event by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Finance and Administration, DIG Bala Ciroma disclosed that the event marked a significant milestone and a crucial step in their efforts at enhancing the professionalism and visibility of Supernumerary Police officers.
According to him, “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 apply to the Inspector-General of Police.”
Despite being an essential and desirable component of the Force, the IGP said the SPY Unit has faced difficulties in establishing a distinct identity.
He said, “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.
“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.
“Furthermore, in accordance with the Police Act 2020, and as part of our initiatives to revitalize SPY operations across the country, we engaged Messrs Synveego Nigeria Limited to undertake the standardization and redesigning of SPY uniforms.
“This was towards ensuring that our SPY personnel present a professional and well-groomed image commensurate with their responsibilities. Additionally, it was a step aimed at checkmating abuse and misuse of the regular Police uniforms and ensuring that our Supernumerary Police officers are uniquely dressed.”
Consequent upon the foregoing, Egbetokun narrated that “we are delighted to unveil today, a meticulously crafted design, endorsed by the Force Management Team.
“I am therefore most delighted to formally relaunch the new standardized SPY uniform and kits. As we relaunch these uniforms and kits, we mandate all organizations utilizing SPY Police personnel to strictly adhere to these new standardized uniforms.”
He further stressed that “The Force Quartermaster and personnel across the states will guide the registration and acquisition. All Police Training Schools are instructed to adopt the new uniform issuance model for SPY Police personnel.”
Meanwhile, the IGP noted that the Nigeria Police Force is actively taking measures to prevent the unauthorized production and distribution of our uniforms, including the SPY uniform, as we are committed to ensuring the integrity of our uniforms.