Police, youth leaders strategise to reinforce security in 31 LGAs

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has held a high-level strategic security meeting with Youth Presidents and Youth Leaders from the 31 Local Government Areas of the state, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening community policing and sustaining the prevailing peace and stability.

Chaired by the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, the meeting commended the youth leaders for their discipline, intelligence sharing and timely interventions throughout 2025.

The CP said their efforts were crucial in preventing crises and enhancing the command’s operational achievements.

Azare also acknowledged the support of the state government and the guidance of Paramount Rulers in strengthening the state’s security architecture.

He urged the youth leaders to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, especially in dealings with investors, contractors and development partners.

According to him, peaceful engagement drives development and protects community credibility, while confrontational approaches undermine progress.

The commissioner further reminded the youth representatives of the government’s directive restricting masquerade activities to village or town hall squares.

He stressed that communities must obtain formal approval from the Commissioner of Police before hosting such events, assuring that the Command would provide security once due process was followed. Unauthorised masquerade outings, he warned, would attract sanctions.

Azare also condemned jungle justice, describing it as criminal, barbaric and capable of sparking wider conflict. He insisted that suspects must always be handed over to the police for proper investigation and prosecution, warning that anyone involved in mob action would be arrested and prosecuted.

On recent developments, the CP disclosed that five suspects who fabricated and circulated a false kidnapping report involving students of Oron Secondary School had been arrested and arraigned in court.

He said their actions were dangerous and capable of inciting public panic, adding that the Command would not tolerate misinformation.

The Police Command urged youth leaders to promote responsible social media use, counter fake news and maintain close cooperation with Divisional Police Officers for early detection and swift resolution of security threats.

Youth representatives at the meeting commended the Commissioner for maintaining peace, order and strong security across the state, pledging continued support for the Command. A representative of content creators assured the police of full cooperation and promised to help identify individuals hiding under content creation to commit cybercrimes.

The youth leadership delegation included Ulap Bright Afahakan (Eket Senatorial District), Chief Ubong Akpan (Uyo Senatorial District), Comrade Udeme Inyang (Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District), and Mr Ekanem Ekanem, President of the Ibom Content Creators Forum.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from both the Police Command and youth leaders to deepen cooperation, uphold community values and work collectively to preserve the peace and development of Akwa Ibom State.