The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has directed the immediate arrest of any police officer found escorting private individuals, politicians or VIPs without approval from the Force Headquarters.
Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, issued the directive on Tuesday while briefing newsmen after a strategic meeting with senior officers in Uyo. He said the meeting was convened to strengthen internal discipline and enhance public safety across the state.
Azare decried the growing disregard for the Inspector-General of Police’s order banning officers from escorting unauthorised VIPs.
“Such officers will be disarmed, subjected to an orderly room trial and sanctioned accordingly. Area Commanders and DPOs will be held fully responsible for the conduct of their personnel,” he warned.
He also reminded officers of the state government’s ban on masquerade activities, noting that such events had led to violence and public disturbances. He instructed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Commanders to strictly enforce the ban, cautioning that negligence would attract disciplinary action.
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The CP condemned the surge of fake news and misinformation on social media, noting that such could cause panic and threaten the peace of the state. He ordered officers to do more in the area of community engagement, monitor emerging threats and ensure that individuals spreading false information are identified and punished.
Addressing emerging security concerns including cultism, armed robbery and gang activities, the commissioner directed Tactical Units, Area Commands and Divisions to launch rigorous stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led raids on black spots and sustained surveillance of criminal hideouts. He stressed that all operations must be conducted lawfully and without harassment of citizens.
Reaffirming the Command’s commitment to maintaining Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states, Azare urged officers to remain disciplined and dedicated, emphasising that effective policing relies on professionalism, teamwork and public trust.
He called on residents to stay law-abiding and report suspicious activities promptly, assuring that the police will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to sustain peace and security across the state.
