The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase yesterday, read the riot act to policemen, warning that any personnel who shoots unarmed civilians risked going to jail.
The police boss has also banned use of horsewhips and canes by policemen in the convoys of state governors and other important personalities in the country on Nigerian motorists and road users.
Arase further directed Spy Police attached to banks to stop wearing police uniform from January 1, 2016 or risk being arrested and prosecuted.
He gave these warning and orders while addressing the rank and file at Eleweran Headquarters of Ogun State Police Command during his tour of the state.
The IGP stressed that any erring police officer would be arraigned in court within 48 hours of his/her arrest.
Arase also warned state commissioners of police to stop deploying officers suffering psychological problems on assignments.
He said: “Nigerians are not animals; don’t beat civilians with horsewhips, especially the officers on governor’s convoys should be stopped by Commissioners of Police.
“Any police officer who shoots a civilian must be arraigned in court within 48 hours because you’re not allowed to shoot a civilian.”
The IGP, however, promoted eight sentry guards of the command to their next ranks following the impressive performance they put up while he inspected the guards of honour.
The officers include Haruna Ijiji, Tochukwu Igwe, Friday Momodu, Faruna Danjuma, Felix Adejoh, Mathew Adelu, Usip Uwemedimo and Emmanuel Unazi.