By: Abdullahi Inuwa
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has renewed its pledge to deliver professional, fair and responsive policing, with Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, urging officers to place public trust and respect at the heart of their daily duties.
Azare made the call at the Command Headquarters in Uyo during the Command’s celebration of this year’s Customer Service Week.
The Commissioner said effective policing goes beyond enforcing laws, stressing that every encounter between an officer and a member of the public—whether during a complaint, emergency response or routine assistance—can influence public confidence in the Police.
He therefore directed officers and other personnel to remain courteous, patient, impartial and prompt while carrying out their responsibilities.
According to him, officers must listen carefully to members of the public, communicate clearly and treat everyone with dignity regardless of social status or background.
The Commissioner also used the occasion to highlight several security challenges confronting the state, calling for stronger cooperation between the Police, government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders, parents and residents.
Azare Warns Against Cybercrime, Jungle Justice
Speaking on cybercrime, CP Azare urged residents, particularly young people, to exercise caution while using digital platforms.
He advised citizens to protect personal information, verify information before sharing it and promptly report online fraud. Victims of cybercrime, he added, should preserve relevant evidence to assist police investigations.
The Commissioner equally warned residents against mob action and jungle justice, stressing that allegations of crime should be handled through lawful channels.
He said attacking suspects could result in loss of lives, undermine investigations and expose those involved in mob violence to criminal prosecution.
“Citizens should report suspected crimes and allow the Police and the courts to determine the appropriate course of action,” the Commissioner stressed.
Cultural Activities Must Not Breed Violence
On cultural activities, Azare acknowledged the importance of culture to the identity of Akwa Ibom people but cautioned that cultural events must not be exploited to intimidate, assault, extort people or disrupt public peace.
He charged organisers to ensure that their programmes remain peaceful and comply with existing laws.
The Commissioner also placed emphasis on the role of youths in the state, describing them as an important part of Akwa Ibom’s future.
He urged young people to reject cultism, thuggery and violence, while calling on parents, educators and community leaders to provide mentorship, guidance and productive opportunities for them.
Police Raise Alarm Over Infrastructure Vandalism
Azare further described the vandalism and destruction of critical public infrastructure as a threat to the wider society.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly alert security agencies whenever they notice suspicious activities around public facilities and other critical infrastructure.
The Commissioner also called on political leaders and their supporters to conduct political activities peacefully, warning that political disagreements must never be allowed to degenerate into violence, threats or destruction of property.
He urged all political actors to respect the law and promote peaceful participation.
PCRC, NUJ, CSOs Attend
The Customer Service Week event attracted representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Youth Council of Nigeria, Civil Society Organisations and the Christian Association of Nigeria, among other stakeholders.
Azare assured residents that the Command would continue to protect lives and property and enforce the law without discrimination.
He thanked members of the public for their cooperation and timely sharing of security information, urging them to maintain open communication with the Police and report emergencies and suspicious activities through appropriate channels.
The Command said the celebration provided an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to stronger police-community relations and a safer, peaceful and law-abiding Akwa Ibom State.
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