By ISAIAH EKA

The Police Command in Akwa Ibom has ordered the immediate arrest of any policeman found accompanying private individuals, politicians, or VIP 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 on Tuesday.

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

The police commissioner expressed deep concern over the increasing violation of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive prohibiting policemen 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.

The commissioner condemned the rising circulation of fake news and misinformation, especially on social media, which had the potential to create panic and undermine the existing peace in the state.

He 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, stressing that such gatherings had led to breaches of peace, violence, and public disturbances.

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

On the 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 on suspected criminal hideouts.

He emphasised that these operations must be professional and lawful, warning that citizens must not be subjected to unnecessary harassment.

The CP 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 fully dedicated to their constitutional responsibilities, noting that the success of policing depends largely on professionalism, teamwork, and public trust.

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

The commissioner of police assured the public that the command would continue to collaborate with other security agencies to sustain peace and security. (NAN)