Police order arrest of officers escorting unauthorised VIPs in A’Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has ordered the immediate arrest of any police personnel found escorting private individuals, politicians or VIPs not duly approved by the Force Headquarters.

The Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, disclosed this to newsmen after a strategic meeting with senior police officers of the command in Uyo, the state capital, on Tuesday.

He said the meeting was convened to issue fresh directives aimed at strengthening internal discipline and enhancing public safety across the state.

Azare expressed concern over the increasing violation of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive prohibiting 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,” Azare said.

He condemned the rising circulation of fake news and misinformation, especially on social media, warning that such content had the potential to create panic and undermine the peace in the state.

The commissioner directed officers to intensify community engagement, monitor emerging threats and ensure that persons involved in the deliberate spread of falsehood are identified and prosecuted.

Azare reminded officers of the Akwa Ibom Government’s ban on masquerade activities, noting that such gatherings had resulted in breaches of peace, violence and public disturbances.

He directed all Area Commanders, DPOs and Tactical Commanders to enforce the ban strictly, warning that any negligence or compromise would attract disciplinary consequences.

On emerging security concerns such as cultism, armed robbery and street gang activities, the CP ordered all Tactical Units, Area Commands and Divisions to embark on rigorous stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led raids on black spots and sustained surveillance of suspected criminal hideouts.

He emphasised that these operations must be carried out professionally and lawfully, cautioning that citizens must not be subjected to unnecessary harassment.

Azare reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

He urged officers to remain disciplined, alert and dedicated to their constitutional responsibilities, stressing that the success of policing depends on professionalism, teamwork and public trust.

He also called on residents to remain law-abiding and report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation for prompt action.

The commissioner assured the public that the Command would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to sustain peace and security in the state.

(NAN)