In a move aimed at strengthening accountability and rebuilding public trust, the Nigeria Police Force has called on citizens to report any officer found on duty without a visible name tag.

The directive follows a firm order from the Inspector-General of Police, Olutunji Disu, who emphasised strict compliance with Section 50(4) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, a provision that makes it mandatory for all officers to properly identify themselves while on duty.

“We all have our name tags. It is not our standard to work without one,” the IGP stated, sending a clear message that anonymity within the force will no longer be tolerated.

To reinforce this, the Force Complaint Response Unit took to its official communication channels to encourage Nigerians to actively report any violations. The move is tied to its ongoing #NoToImpunity campaign, which focuses on promoting professionalism, transparency, and accountability within the police system.

At first glance, a name tag might seem like a small detail, but in reality, it carries significant weight.

It represents identity, responsibility, and traceability. When an officer is properly identified, it becomes easier for citizens to report misconduct, give commendations, or simply feel a sense of security knowing who they are interacting with.

On the flip side, the absence of identification can create fear, distrust, and a sense of power imbalance, issues that have long affected police-community relations in Nigeria.

This directive signals a shift in approach.

Rather than placing the burden solely on internal discipline, the police are now inviting citizens to play a more active role in enforcing standards. It’s a subtle but important change, one that suggests accountability is becoming a shared responsibility.

Of course, the effectiveness of this move will depend on consistent enforcement. Policies alone don’t change systems, actions do.

But if properly implemented, this could be a step toward a more transparent and people-centered policing system.

Because at the end of the day, trust is not demanded, it’s built.

And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as a name.