The Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, has cautioned Special Constabularies recruited by the government against involvement in arms handling and other general duties of police officers.
Abutu issued the warning at Talata Mafara and Maradun Divisional Police Stations, while addressing police officers and special constabularies.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Yaro had embarked on a statewide familiarisation tour of the emir’s palaces and police formations in the state.
The government had recently employed 3,850 special constabularies to serve as community police to help the police and other security agencies in intelligence gathering.
The CP said the special constabularies, who were employed to gather information for the police, would not be involved in police general duties.
He said: “You should know that you are not police officers.
“You should not be involved in road traffic duties, arms handling or the use of tear gas among others.
“Information gathering is your work.
“I therefore implore you to always give us useful information on security from your respective communities.
“You are not employed to arrest people or to involve in settling cases.”
He also called on police officers to be up to date in their duties.
Abutu cautioned them against involvement in criminal activities and anything that would destroy the image of the police force.
He said: “We are encouraging you to work, but you must be disciplined.
“The command under my watch would not allow indiscipline or any form of truancy.
“You should be serious with your duties and avoid injustice or extorting people.”
Abutu cautioned police officers in the state against involvement in politics, saying it was against the ethics of the police.
“As police officers, if you want to join politics, resign and join a particular political party,” he added.
