Skit makers seeking to use police uniforms in the skits would now get police approval before usage, the Inspector General of police, Usman Baba has said.
Baba stated this in a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while warning actors and skit makers against misusing police uniforms or using same without prior approval.
The statement said the IGP also vowed to ensure the prosecution of any unauthorised sales of police accoutrements.
Baba cautioned film or skit makers who portray police officers in a bad light without applying and getting a permit letter for such portrayals to desist with immediate effect or face the wrath of the law.
He directed all commands, formations, the IGP monitoring unit, provost marshals, and X-Squad to ensure the arrest and immediate prosecution of offenders within their jurisdiction in accordance with the law.
The IGP pledged the commitment of the force to guarantee compliance.
He added that the force PRO had been directed to ensure prompt authorisation for all applications seeking usage of police items in movies.
Baba said such applications would be granted in tandem with the law and must portray positive values.
The application, the IGP added, must provide officers with modern innovations to actively carry out policing duties and on-screen role models who would influence their careers as well as improve the security mechanism in Nigeria.
“It is obvious that this step will surely curb the proliferation of police kits, uniforms, and accoutrements and eventually reduce police impostor-induced crimes in our society,” Adejobi’s statement read in part.
Section 251 of the Criminal Code law and 133 of the Penal Code criminalise unauthorised use of police materials.
