The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has ordered an inquiry into allegations that police officers returning from a counter-insurgency deployment were made to pay ₦25,000 each as a “transit fee.”
The allegation was contained in a publication by SaharaReporters.
In a statement issued on Monday, Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, clarified that the transportation of officers between Uyo and Jaji is funded by the Squadron and that personnel are not required to pay for official transportation.
The Command stressed that there is no authorised ₦25,000 transit fee for officers.
It said the inquiry was ordered to establish what actually happened and identify anyone who may have been involved in any unauthorised collection.
According to the police, any personnel found to have demanded or collected money without authorisation would face appropriate disciplinary action and, where necessary, prosecution.
The Command also urged officers with direct knowledge of any alleged payment demand to provide relevant information through the appropriate channels.
It cautioned the public against drawing conclusions before the investigation is completed, stressing that the allegation remains subject to verification and that the inquiry would be guided by evidence and conducted fairly.
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