The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned 1,068 retrained police constables against professional misconduct, stressing that the uniform does not place officers above the law.
Disu issued the warning during his keynote address at the passing-out parade of the officers held at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, in Uyo on Thursday, declaring an end to impunity within the Force.
He stated that any officer found misusing firearms or engaging in unlawful killings would face immediate dismissal and possible prosecution, underscoring that accountability would be strictly enforced.
According to him, untrained or undisciplined personnel pose a risk to public safety, while professionalism and discipline remain the core of effective policing.
The police chief also commended the Akwa Ibom State Command for initiating comprehensive retraining programmes, including the training of female officers in arms handling, noting that competence is not determined by gender.
He reiterated that the provisions of Force Order 237 remain in effect, emphasising that the use of firearms must be a last resort, applied proportionately and strictly within legal limits.
Disu further warned officers against acts such as extortion, reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, and reckless discharge of weapons, noting that violations would attract severe sanctions.
He urged the newly retrained constables to uphold professionalism, exercise restraint in the use of force, and maintain respect for citizens in the discharge of their duties.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, disclosed that some of the officers have been deployed to a newly established Violent Crime Response Unit aimed at tackling violent crimes.
He also highlighted recent operational achievements of the command, including the safe evacuation of explosive devices at the Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and the rescue of kidnapped victims along the Calabar–Oron waterways through joint security efforts.
Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing and called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
