The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, Rashid B. Afegbua, has cautioned 712 newly trained corporals and constables to use firearms responsibly, stressing that weapons are meant for the protection of lives and property, not for intimidation or abuse.

Afegbua gave the charge on Tuesday during the closing ceremony and certification of officers who completed a Musketry and Weapons Handling Training Programme at the 11 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron in Calabar.

He said the training formed part of the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen the capacity of police personnel to tackle emerging security challenges through continuous and professional training.

According to the police commissioner, the programme was conducted in three batches between 1 June and 19 June, with participants drawn from the three senatorial districts of Cross River State.

He said the phased training provided intensive instruction in musketry and weapons handling, combining classroom learning with practical exercises to ensure operational readiness.

Afegbua described the certification as a milestone in the officers’ professional development, noting that effective policing requires competence, discipline, integrity and respect for the rule of law.

“Every firearm entrusted to you carries an enormous responsibility. It is issued for the protection of lives and property, the preservation of peace, and the enforcement of the law—not for intimidation or abuse,” he said.

He urged the officers to exercise sound judgement and professionalism in the lawful and accountable use of force while respecting human rights at all times.

The commissioner further advised the newly certified personnel to uphold the image of the Nigeria Police Force in their various postings, saying every interaction with the public should strengthen trust and improve police-community relations.

He called on them to discharge their duties with integrity, fairness, discipline and an unwavering commitment to justice.

Afegbua also commended the Department of Operations, the Commander of the 11 Police Mobile Force Squadron, instructors and other facilitators for successfully conducting the training programme.

He congratulated the 712 officers on completing the exercise and urged them to pursue careers distinguished by honour, excellence, discipline and dedication to national service before formally declaring the training programme closed. (Nigerian Tribune)