The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Muhammad Baba Azare, has ordered the immediate arrest of any police personnel found escorting private individuals, politicians or VIPs without formal approval from the Force Headquarters.
Azare issued the directive on Tuesday in Uyo after a strategic meeting with senior officers of the command, where he rolled out new measures aimed at tightening internal discipline and safeguarding public peace.
The CP expressed worry over what he described as a “growing disregard” for the Inspector-General of Police’s standing order prohibiting officers from providing unauthorised escort services.
“Any officer caught escorting persons not duly approved by the Force Headquarters will be disarmed, subjected to orderly room trial and sanctioned,” Azare warned.
He added that Divisional Police Officers and Area Commanders would be held accountable for any violation by personnel under their command.
Azare also raised alarm over the rising circulation of fake news across social media platforms, saying the trend could trigger fear and destabilise the peace currently enjoyed in the state.
“Officers must intensify community engagement and track emerging threats. Anyone found deliberately spreading falsehood will be identified and prosecuted,” he said.
The CP reminded officers of the Akwa Ibom State Government’s ban on masquerade activities, which he said had led to previous breaches of public order.
He directed Area Commanders, DPOs and tactical units to enforce the ban fully, warning that negligence or compromise would attract disciplinary consequences.
On rising security concerns—including cultism, armed robbery and gang-related activities—Azare ordered tactical units to embark on aggressive stop-and-search operations, intelligence-led raids and sustained surveillance on known black spots.
While stressing professionalism, he cautioned operatives against harassment and rights abuses.
“The command remains committed to sustaining Akwa Ibom’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most peaceful states,” he said.
Azare encouraged residents to report suspicious activities promptly, assuring that the police would continue to work closely with other security agencies to maintain stability across the state.
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