Policemen barred from carrying VIPs’ handbags, umbrellas

The Police Service Commission has barred police officers on escort duty with Very Important Persons to desist from carrying their handbags and umbrellas.

The Chairman of the commission, Chief Mike Okiro, who said this at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, said it was an insult to the police uniform for cops to engage in “domestic duty” or carry handbags for VIPs.

He said, 

“You will all agree with me that this issue of policemen carrying handbags and umbrellas for VIPs has generated much uproar and even condemnation as it is capable of eroding the esteem of members of the NPF.

“To stem the tide, we have worked out a blueprint of the class of VIPs that should enjoy the privilege of attaching police officers to provide VIP protection with their specific duties clearly spelt out. The matter is awaiting the consent of the relevant authorities before we can start its implementation.

“Once the operation is fully planned, the Provost-Marshal of the Police and the staff of the PSC will operate jointly and will be stationed at domestic airports and some highways to arrest and discipline officers who embark on illegal escort or guard duty.”