Akwa Ibom CP kicks off new security strategy, decorates 142 promoted officers
By Sabiu Abdullahi
The newly appointed Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has held a strategic security meeting with senior officers, in his bid to improve security in the state.
The meeting focused on the need to tackle corruption, extortion, and incivility towards the public, which mark a major shift in the state’s security approach.
CP Azare identified key security challenges facing the state, including kidnappings, armed robbery, communal clashes, and homicidal cases. He assured the Governor that his team, in collaboration with the DSS, has commenced profiling the sponsors of communal clashes and will soon submit an interim report.
The CP assured the officers that he will operate an open-door policy, that aims to reduce crime and curb unprofessional conduct.
He directed Divisional Police Officers, Area Commanders, and Tactical Commanders to draft actionable crime-reduction plans tailored to their jurisdictions.
During the meeting, CP Azare decorated 142 newly promoted senior police officers with their new ranks.
The decorated officers included ACP Inyang John Abia, DPO Shelter Afrique, and ACP Ahiwa Ribadu, OC Anti-Cultism, who were formerly CSPs.
Others included CSP Felix Ekpoudom, 2IC QIU, CSP Cordiella Nwawe, Provost 26 PMF, Uyo, and CSP Ebong Thompson, OC SWAT.
CP Azare congratulated the promoted officers and urged them to discharge their new ranks within the law.
He expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for their commitment to police welfare.
The new Police Commissioner also plans to engage the youth in dialogue to promote peaceful coexistence and collaborate with other security agencies to bring an end to security challenges in the state.
To enhance community policing, CP Azare directed the command’s Public Relations Officer to make his phone number and those of other principal officers available to the public for easy access.
The state governor, Governor Eno, expressed satisfaction with the choice of the new Police Commissioner, citing his previous experience as Deputy Commissioner, Operations in the state.
The Governor commended CP Azare’s plan to engage the youth in community policing.