The Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command, on Thursday, 30th April 2026, successfully passed out 1,068 retrained Police Constables at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, Uyo. Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, issued a stern nationwide warning that the era of professional recklessness and impunity is definitively over.
IGP Disu's Keynote Address
Speaking at the ceremony, the IGP declared that the retraining exercise was not merely ceremonial but a fundamental proclamation of a new professional dawn for the Force. He emphasized that an unskilled officer with a gun is a danger to the public, while a skilled and disciplined officer is a true guardian of the people. The IGP lauded the Akwa Ibom State Command for pioneering the comprehensive retraining of female police officers in arms handling last year, noting that gender is no barrier to competence.
He reiterated that Force Order 237 remains binding, stressing that firearms shall only be used as a last resort, proportionately, and strictly within the bounds of the law. Reiterating his national broadcast of 29th April 2026, IGP Disu stated: “Impunity ends now. Any officer who misuses his weapon, who kills a citizen without lawful justification, will be dismissed and prosecuted. Not transferred. Not queried. Not redeployed. No badge is a license to kill. No uniform is a shield from justice.”
Warnings and Directives
The IGP further warned against extortion, reporting to duty under the influence of alcohol, and reckless use of firearms, promising summary dismissal and criminal prosecution for any violator. He charged the newly retrained constables to carry their weapons with pride but restraint, wear their uniforms with dignity, and treat citizens with respect, noting that “the real examination begins tomorrow, when you return to the streets.”
Operational Successes and New Unit
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, disclosed that the retrained personnel include a specially selected cohort for the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), created in line with the IGP’s directive to serve as a strategic strike force against violent crimes across the State. Azare also highlighted key operational successes, 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 seamless inter-agency collaboration.
Dignitaries Present
Present at the passing out ceremony were the representative of the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, DIG Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, mni (Rtd); the Assistant Inspector-General of Police zone 6 Zonal headquarters, AIG Auwal Musa Mohammad; Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Police Mobile Force, AIG Alonyenu Francis Idu; and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Department of Training and Development, AIG Uche Ifeanyi Henry, PhD, among other senior officers and dignitaries.
Community Policing Commitment
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to community policing and urged residents of Akwa Ibom State to continue partnering with the Police by providing timely and credible information. The Command further assured the public that complaint mechanisms remain open and that every report of abuse or misconduct will be thoroughly investigated and acted upon.
