The Inspector-General of Police has cautioned officers against professional misconduct, warning that the police uniform does not protect anyone from accountability under the law.
Speaking at the passing-out parade of 1,068 retrained constables at the Police Mobile Force Base in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the IGP said the force would enforce strict consequences for misuse of firearms and unlawful actions.
He stated that any officer found using weapons without lawful justification would face dismissal and prosecution, stressing that the era of impunity within the force is over. He also reiterated that Force Order 237, which regulates the use of firearms, remains in effect and must be strictly observed.
The IGP emphasised that discipline and proper training are essential to policing, noting that an untrained or reckless officer poses a risk to public safety. He further warned against extortion, reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, and other forms of misconduct.
The police chief commended the Akwa Ibom Command for ongoing retraining initiatives, including specialised programmes aimed at improving operational competence.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, said some of the retrained officers would be deployed to a newly established unit focused on tackling violent crimes. He added that recent operations by the command included the safe handling of explosive threats and the rescue of kidnapping victims through inter-agency collaboration.
Authorities also called on residents to support policing efforts by providing timely and credible information.
