….Bans Masquerade Activities
Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Azare has ordered the arrest of any policeman found escorting private individuals, businessmen, politicians or Very Important Personalities (VIPs) not duly approved by the Force.
He disclosed this during a strategic meeting with senior police officers of the command in Uyo.
Azare has also reminded officers of the State Government’s of ban on masquerade activities, saying that such gatherings have recently led to breaches of peace, violence, and public disturbances.
The Commissioner of Police further issued fresh directives aimed at strengthening internal discipline and enhancing public safety across the state.
The CP expressed deep concern over the increasing violation of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive prohibiting policemen from escorting unauthorized VIPs.
Such officers, he warned, would be disarmed, subjected to orderly room trial, and sanctioned accordingly, while Area Commanders and DPOs would be held fully responsible for the conduct of their personnel.
Azare directed Area Commanders, DPOs, and Tactical Commanders to enforce the ban on masquerade strictly, warning that any form of negligence or compromise by officers would attract disciplinary consequences.
The CP , also, condemned the rising circulation of fake news, especially on social media, which has the potential to create panic and undermine the existing peace in the state and directed officers to intensify community engagements, monitor emerging threats, and ensure that persons involved in the deliberate spread of falsehood are identified and prosecuted.
He 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 emphasizing that these operations must be professional, lawful, and citizens must not be subjected to unnecessary harassment.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining Akwa Ibom State as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.
He urged officers to remain disciplined, alert, and fully dedicated to their constitutional responsibilities, pointing out that the success of policing depends largely on professionalism, teamwork, and public trust.
He called on residents to remain law-abiding and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police formation and assured the public that the command would continue to strengthen collaborative efforts with other security agencies to ensure sustained peace and security.