Imo State Police in southeastern Nigeria have introduced strict measures to curb alleged misconduct by officers, banning tactical units from deploying unmarked vehicles during patrols. The directive, issued by Commissioner Aboki Danjuma, prohibits the use of concealed or civilian-style transport such as minibuses and motorized tricycles—locally known as Keke—amid growing reports of public harassment and extortion by personnel operating in unauthorized vehicles.
The move follows repeated complaints from residents accusing some officers of leveraging unmarked vehicles to intimidate, extort, or unlawfully detain civilians. In an official statement, police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye confirmed the clampdown, stressing that commanders overseeing offending teams would face disciplinary action alongside their subordinates. “The Commissioner condemned these acts as wholly unprofessional,” Okoye said, adding that violators risk “immediate sanctions” to uphold accountability.
Authorities emphasized the reform aligns with broader national efforts to improve police transparency under Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership. The statement reiterated commitments to ethical standards, urging full compliance from all units. Civilians were also encouraged to report infractions, signaling a push for community oversight.
The policy shift highlights ongoing challenges in balancing security operations with public trust, particularly in regions where unmarked vehicles have been linked to rogue policing practices. While tactical teams often use such transport for covert operations, critics argue their misuse undermines civilian safety and institutional credibility.
Observers note the decision could reshape roadside patrol dynamics in Imo, a state previously impacted by armed conflicts and security operations. How effectively the ban curbs abuses—and whether similar measures spread nationally—remains closely watched. For now, residents await tangible changes, as authorities vow intensified monitoring to enforce the new rules.
