The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, respect and responsiveness in its daily interactions with members of the public.

The commitment was the central message at the Command’s celebration of this year’s Customer Service Week, held at the Command Headquarters, Uyo.

Addressing officers and stakeholders at the event, the Commissioner emphasized that, within the Nigeria Police Force, public service is inseparable from the core responsibility of maintaining law and order. He noted that every interaction whether receiving a complaint, responding to a distress call or providing assistance has a direct impact on public confidence in the Police.

He therefore charged all officers and personnel to be courteous, patient, impartial and prompt in the discharge of their duties, urging them to listen attentively, explain their actions clearly and treat every member of the public with dignity, irrespective of status or background.

The Commissioner also used the occasion to address critical security concerns in the State and called for a collaborative approach involving the Police, Government, traditional and community leaders, parents and all responsible citizens.

On cybercrime, the Commissioner urged members of the public, particularly youths, to use digital platforms responsibly, protect their personal information and verify information before sharing it. Victims of online fraud were encouraged to preserve relevant evidence and report incidents promptly to the Police.

While warning against mob action and jungle justice, CP Azare reiterated that no allegation justifies violence against a suspect. He noted that such actions can lead to loss of lives, compromise investigations and expose perpetrators to criminal prosecution. Citizens were therefore urged to report suspected crimes and allow the Police and the courts to handle such matters in accordance with the law.

The Commissioner, while acknowledging the importance of culture and cultural activities, cautioned that cultural practices must not be used as a cover for intimidation, assault, extortion or disruption of public peace. He stressed that organizers have a responsibility to ensure that their activities remain peaceful and lawful.

Speaking on the role of the youth, CP Azare described young people as a vital part of the future of Akwa Ibom State and encouraged them to shun violence, cultism and thuggery. He called on parents, educators and community leaders to provide guidance, mentorship and constructive opportunities for young people.

On the protection of critical infrastructure, the Commissioner described the destruction and vandalism of public assets as a threat to the wellbeing of the entire society. He therefore urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.

The Commissioner also appealed to political leaders and their supporters to act responsibly, emphasizing that political differences must never become an excuse for threats, violence or destruction of property. He urged all stakeholders to ensure that political activities are conducted peacefully and in strict compliance with the law.

The event was attended by key stakeholders, including representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), National Youth Council of Nigeria (Akwa Ibom Chapter), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, among others.

The Commissioner reassured the people of Akwa Ibom State that the Command remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting lives and property and enforcing the law impartially. He appreciated members of the public for their continued cooperation, support and timely provision of information, while urging them to maintain open communication with the Police and promptly report emergencies and suspicious activities through the appropriate channels.

As the Customer Service Week is celebrated, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command renews its commitment to working hand-in-hand with the people to build a safer, more peaceful and law-abiding State.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has noted a publication by SaharaReporters alleging that officers returning from a counter-insurgency deployment were made to pay ₦25,000 each as a “transit fee.”

For clarity, the transportation of officers from Uyo to Jaji and back is borne by the Squadron and not by the officers. There is no authorised ₦25,000 transit fee, and officers are not required to fund their official transportation.

The Command takes any allegation of unauthorised demand or collection seriously. Consequently, an inquiry has been ordered to establish what occurred and identify anyone responsible.

According to Press Statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, any personnel found to have demanded or collected money without authority will face appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, prosecution.

The Command invites any officer with direct knowledge of any payment demand or collection to provide relevant details through the appropriate channels. The investigation will be guided by evidence and conducted fairly.

The Command urges the public to treat the reported allegation as a matter requiring verification while the facts are being established.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to combat criminality, protect critical infrastructure and safeguard lives and property across the State.

At about 0311 hours on 1st October 2026, the Command received credible information that suspected criminals had vandalised a community transformer in Mkpat Enin Local Government Area and carted away several components in a tricycle before transferring the stolen items into a red minibus.

Acting swiftly on the information, operatives of the Command mobilised and intercepted the suspected vehicle along the Etinan route. During the ensuing pursuit, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the Police before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing into a nearby bush.

A coordinated search operation was immediately launched, with valuable assistance from members of the community. At about 0514 hours, two suspects were arrested. They were identified as Chinedu Onwe, 31, male, of Ikwo LGA, Ebonyi State, and Enobong Jonah, 35, male, of Otoro Abak Village, Abak LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

Items recovered during the operation include three large transformer solenoids, one live cartridge, assorted electrical tools, one large steel cutter, one Tecno mobile phone, one tricycle allegedly used to convey the vandalised components, and a red minibus with registration number ABIA 986 SSM.

In a separate operation, the Command successfully rescued victims of an alleged sea piracy and abduction incident along the waterways of Ibeno Local Government Area.

At about 0700 hours on 30th September 2026, information was received that a group of fishermen, including a Ghanaian national, had been attacked and abducted by suspected sea pirates while travelling towards the Atlantic Ocean.

Personnel of the Asawana Mobile Police Base were immediately mobilised to the area. The operatives subsequently encountered the suspected pirates around the ocean boundary between Akwa Ibom and Rivers States, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

The suspected pirates eventually abandoned their boat and escaped into a nearby creek, while the Police successfully rescued the victims unharmed.

Items recovered from the scene include one 200HP outboard engine, one 40HP outboard engine with a W23 flying boat, five 40HP outboard engines, three 9.9HP outboard engines, five containers of mixed PMS, four empty containers, three gas cylinders, mobile phones, 29 SIM cards, one power bank, one starter motor battery, one torchlight and an identity card bearing a NIN number, among other items.

The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, mnipr, commended the officers and men involved in both operations for their courage, professionalism, vigilance and prompt response.

The Commissioner equally appreciated members of the affected communities whose timely information and cooperation contributed significantly to the successes recorded, stressing that effective policing remains a shared responsibility between the Police and the public.

CP Azare warned individuals and criminal networks involved in the vandalisation of critical infrastructure, sea piracy, abduction and other forms of violent crime that the Command will continue to identify, pursue and bring offenders to justice within the ambit of the law.

He further reiterated that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The Command therefore urges residents of Akwa Ibom State to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police through appropriate channels. Members of the public are also strongly advised not to confront suspected criminals or take the law into their own hands, but to promptly report suspicious persons, movements and activities to the Police.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its commitment to protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, maintaining public order, and ensuring the safety and security of all residents.