01/05/2026
WHO IS THIS MAN?
Because currently, not even The Nigerian Police Officer in the CID Section is allowed to keep beard and any hair styles he wants.
As of April 2026, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, issued a strict directive banning beards for all serving officers:
- Beards banned completely: All officers must remain clean-shaven at all times, whether in uniform or out of uniform
- No exceptions: The directive states that "the only authority to permit the wearing of beards is the Inspector-General of Police," and this applies "irrespective of medical excuse or not"
- *Severe punishment*: Failure to comply will attract "severe disciplinary measures"
- Applies to CID: The wireless message was addressed to divisional police officers, tactical commanders, and other senior officers across commands. CID falls under this.
Hair styles: The recent directive specifically mentions beards. The Nigeria Police Force regulations were updated in April 2026 to replace the 1943-era document, with a focus on "professionalism, discipline, transparency and accountability." While the wireless message only details beards, the overall push is toward stricter grooming and "standard appearance across the force".
Most police forces worldwide that regulate facial hair also regulate hairstyles - requiring them to be "neat, clean, and natural in appearance" and not "extreme". The new Nigerian regulations are meant to enforce discipline and uniformity, so officers in CID would still be expected to maintain professional, non-extreme hairstyles.
Bottom line: As of April 15, 2026, beards are banned for all NPF officers including CID, with no medical exemptions. Hair must align with the new discipline standards, so "any hairstyles" wouldn't be permitted.
This is a change from before - the directive appears to override previously accepted medical exemptions.