How to Differentiate Between Regular Police From Spy Police in Nigeria
Many Nigerians are not aware that there is a difference between the spy police and the regular police. In fact, they even differ in their mode of operations. In this write up, we would expose all you need know about them and what makes the spy police different from the regular police officer.
The fact that different police divisions and activities employ different personnel is something that many Nigerians are unaware of. Like its peers across the globe, the Nigerian Police Force includes a number of unique departments intended for special reasons. The SPU which means Special Police Unit, SARS, CID, ISS, RSS are just but a few examples.
The Supernumerary Police, sometimes known as the Spy Police, is one such departments. The purpose of the unit was to augment the duties of the regular police officers. Upon request, SPY police officers are typically assigned to work in banks, international corporations, ministries, departments, and agencies.
It’s interesting to note that not only do SPY police officers follow different rules of engagement than regular police officers, but they also wear different uniforms.
WHAT IS SUPERNUMERARY (SPY) POLICE IN NIGERIA?
The Supernumerary Police alternatively referred to as Spy Police is a special department in the Nigerian Police Force. These police officers are designated for special functions as you regularly see them at banks, companies and even in government establishments. Some go about as drivers and even security personnel in companies and organisations. A lot multinationals, going from the oil, pharmaceutical, insurance and other private corporate divisions have Spy Police force as a security to their business engagements.
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE NIGERIAN SPY POLICE
As indicated by section 18 of the police act which stipulates that the arrangement of Spy Police, the obligations of spy officials in Nigeria include:
- For employment on administrative duties on police premises (section 19 police act)
- To protect property (Company Spy)
- For attachment as orderlies
- To compliment the services of regular police officers when needed by MDAs/Organizations/Multi-National Companies/Banks
DO SPY POLICE IN NIGERIA CARRY GUNS?
Spy police in Nigeria are a crucial part of the country’s law enforcement system. They are tasked with gathering intelligence and conducting surveillance on suspected criminals and terrorist organizations. One of the questions that often arises is whether or not these officers carry guns while on duty.
According to reports, Nigerian spy police officers are not permitted to carry firearms. Instead, they rely on their training in intelligence gathering and surveillance techniques to carry out their duties. However, this does not mean that they can’t carry other weapons or are not equipped with other tools and technologies that enable them to do their jobs effectively. ALSO SEE: HOW TO OWN A GUN IN NIGERIA
While there have been reports of police brutality and excessive use of force in Nigeria, it is important to note that spy police operate differently from regular police officers. They are trained to gather intelligence and conduct surveillance discreetly, without drawing attention to themselves or their activities. As such, they are less likely to engage in confrontations that require the use of force.
WHO ARE REGULAR POLICE OFFICERS IN NIGERIA?
A regular Nigerian police officer is a member of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the principal paramilitary law enforcement agency in Nigeria. These officers are chiefly responsible for upholding the law, protecting lives and property, and preventing crime.
There are over 370,000 regular police officers in Nigeria, serving in various roles and ranks. To become a Nigerian police officer, you must go through a rigorous training process which includes both academic and physical exercise. Once qualified, officers are assigned to different units and stations based on their skills and experience. ALSO SEE: THE COST OF PUMP ACTION GUNS IN NIGERIA (2024)
WHAT ARE THE DUTIES OF THE REGULAR POLICE OFFICERS IN NIGERIA?
Some of the common duties of a regular Nigerian police officer include:
- Patrolling neighborhoods and responding to calls for service
- Investigating crimes
- Arresting suspects
- Enforcing traffic laws
- Maintaining order at public events
- Providing community outreach and education
DO REGULAR POLICE IN NIGERIA CARRY GUNS?
Yes, most regular Nigerian police officers carry firearms, although with significant variations. While this has not always been the case, weapons are now common issue for police officers in Nigeria on patrol and specific operations. This move is driven by growing security concerns, such as armed robbery and kidnapping. However, not every regular police officer has instant access to guns. Only those who are mentally and physically qualified following training are permitted to carry, usually after several years in the force.
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPY SUPERNUMERARY POLICE AND REGULAR POLICE IN NIGERIA
The major difference between both the regular police and the spy officer is in their uniforms. Although regular police officers wear black uniforms, their SPY equivalents are expected to wear an ash-colored shirt with SPY inscriptions all over it and black trousers. Also, their badges are different.
Here is a table showing their differences:
| Feature | Regular Police | Spy Police (Supernumerary Police) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Nigerian Police Force (NPF) | Private organizations (companies, institutions) |
| Salaries | Government | Organizations themselves |
| Responsibilities | Wide range (patrol, investigations, arrest, community policing) | Specific security needs of employers (asset protection, internal investigations) |
| Authority | Full police powers (arrest, use of force) | Limited powers (no arrest, no firearms) |
| Training | Standardized NPF program | Varied based on organization and NPF guidelines |
| Uniform | Standard NPF uniform (black and blue) | Non-standard, ash uniform with SPY written all over |
| Public Interaction | Regular presence in communities | Limited and covert |
| Transparency | Operates under public scrutiny | Limited accountability due to private nature |
| Public Perception | Varies, subject to criticism and praise | Limited public awareness |
CONCLUSION
With the above, you should be able to know the differences between both a regular police officer and a spy police officer in Nigeria. If you also want to join the Nigerian spy police, you have to meet certain requirements.
