Azare warns officers against extortion, abuse of power
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned officers against extortion, abuse of authority and neglect of duty, directing them to respect citizens’ rights and respond promptly to security threats.
Azare issued the warning during an emergency security meeting with senior officers on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Those present included assistant commissioners of police, divisional police officers, tactical commanders and heads of departments.
Etim Ekpimah
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned officers against extortion, abuse of authority and neglect of duty, directing them to respect citizens’ rights and respond promptly to security threats.
Azare issued the warning during an emergency security meeting with senior officers on Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Those present included assistant commissioners of police, divisional police officers, tactical commanders and heads of departments.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Timfon John, on Friday in Uyo, said the meeting reviewed security concerns and emerging threats across the state, along with measures to strengthen crime prevention and improve police operations.
Azare directed officers in supervisory positions to remain vigilant, provide effective leadership and coordinate responses to security challenges within their areas of responsibility.
He stressed that arrests, searches, investigations and other police duties must comply with the law and established procedures. He also warned against misconduct that could undermine public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
The commissioner called for better intelligence gathering, information sharing, patrol coverage and responses to distress calls. He directed commanders to strengthen cooperation between units and sustain surveillance at security flashpoints and vulnerable locations.
Divisional police officers, tactical commanders and departmental heads were instructed to maintain regular communication with their personnel, report security developments promptly and ensure effective supervision.
The meeting also addressed compliance with the force’s social media policy, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
Azare cautioned personnel against publishing or circulating official information, internal communications, operational details, photographs, videos and other sensitive material without authorisation.
He warned that online conduct that compromised operations, breached confidentiality or brought the force into disrepute would attract disciplinary action under applicable regulations.
The commissioner urged officers to implement the meeting’s resolutions, strengthen accountability and remain responsive to the public’s security needs.
The command also encouraged residents to provide timely, credible information to help prevent crime and identify suspicious activities, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and public safety across the state.
