The Nigeria Police Force has responded to a video circulating on social media, featuring an individual in a Spy Police uniform making political comments about the upcoming Edo State gubernatorial election.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the police force addressed the controversy surrounding the video.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Olumuyiwa Adejobi, clarified that the individual in the video is not a regular officer of the Nigeria Police Force.
Instead, the person is a Supernumerary Police Officer employed by a private company. “Supernumerary Police Officers are private individuals trained by the Nigeria Police for specific security functions,” Adejobi explained.
“They work primarily within their place of employment and are not on the payroll of the NPF. They also do not swear to the oath of allegiance like regular officers.”
The video, which has drawn significant attention online, shows the individual discussing political issues related to the Edo State governorship election, scheduled for September 21.
The individual was dressed in their official Spy Police uniform while making these comments.
The police force has strongly condemned the use of the Spy Police uniform for political activities.
“We frown upon the use of official uniforms for personal political expressions,” Adejobi said.
“While Supernumerary Police Officers have the freedom to belong to any political party and express their views, they must not misuse their uniforms for such purposes.”
The individual involved has been arrested and is undergoing further investigation.
Adejobi reassured the public that the comments made by the Supernumerary Police Officer do not reflect the stance of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We urge the public to disregard any statements made by this individual and to continue trusting in our commitment to professionalism, neutrality, and the rule of law,” Adejobi added.
The clarification from the Nigeria Police Force comes at a critical time as Edo State prepares for its gubernatorial election.
