Akwa Ibom State Police command has announced plans to execute the Inspector General Of Police directive to arrest and prosecute any officer found escorting individuals, politicians and VIPs not authorized by the Force headquarters.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare who disclosed this during a strategic meeting with Senior Police Officers of the Command at the State Police headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, expressed worry over the increasing violation of the IGP’s directives stressing that such officers shall be disarmed, subjected to orderly room trial, and sanctioned accordingly.
“The Commissioner of Police expressed deep concern over the increasing violation of the Inspector-General of Police’s directive prohibiting policemen from escorting unauthorized VIPs,” the statement said.
The CP also ordered the enforcement of the ban on activities of masquerades as the festive season draws close, saying masquerading activities has been used to cause violence and public disturbance.
“One David Effiong who was on the prowl with full masquerade regalia disrupting public peace and other suspects arrested for the offense of fake news fabrication and circulation namely Lexis Christoper, Stephen Okwen, and Miss Favour Emenyi ‘f’ aged 15yrs, a student of Mary Hanney Secondary School, Oron are all on their way to court,” he said.
Azare further condemned the circulation of fake news and misinformation using the social media, as well as cultism, armed robbery and gang activities, saying they would not be tolerated.
“The Commissioner condemned the rising circulation of fake news and misinformation, especially on social media, which has the potential to create panic and undermine the existing peace in the state.
“He directed officers to intensify community engagements, monitor emerging threats, and ensure that persons involved in the deliberate spread of falsehood are identified and prosecuted.
“In response to 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 stated.
