In a renewed drive to instill professionalism, discipline, and public trust in police operations, the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, carried out an operational tour of police checkpoints across the state, leading to the arrest of seven officers for misconduct and various infractions.
The inspection, which covered key routes including the Owerri–Onitsha, Owerri–Port Harcourt, and Owerri–Umuahia highways, followed persistent complaints from the public about alleged extortion, harassment, and other unprofessional behaviors by officers on duty.
During the exercise, CP Danjuma addressed officers at different duty posts, reminding them of the essential values of policing such as discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights.
He issued a clear warning that any officer found guilty of extortion, unauthorised phone searches, intimidation, or other misconduct would face severe disciplinary actions, which may include dismissal and prosecution.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Okoye Henry, seven officers were arrested for misconduct following the tour, and disciplinary procedures have been initiated in line with established protocols.
As part of his outreach, CP Danjuma also interacted with motorists and commuters, urging them to refuse any demand for money or phone searches by police officers. He described such practices as illegal and unethical, assuring the public that they would not be tolerated under his leadership.
To boost accountability and transparency, the CP distributed emergency contact details for the Command’s X-Squad and Complaint Response Unit (CRU), encouraging citizens to report misconduct. He assured that all reports would be handled promptly, professionally, and with confidentiality.
Reaffirming his commitment, CP Danjuma stated that the Imo State Police Command remains focused on rebuilding public trust and ensuring a force anchored on justice, service, and integrity.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command announced the arrest of 54 suspects linked to various crimes, including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, vandalism, and burglary, over the past two months.
Commissioner of Police, Mr. Baba Azare, disclosed this during a press conference in Uyo on Thursday, noting that the arrests include six suspected armed robbers, seven suspected kidnappers, one murder suspect, 30 alleged cultists, six suspected vandals, and four burglars.
Recovered from the suspects were several weapons including two locally made double-barrel cut-to-size guns, one incomplete long gun, two single-barrel/cut-to-size guns, 18 locally made pistols, ammunition, and cartridges. The police also recovered two vehicles and rescued three kidnapped victims.
Highlighting the command’s achievements, CP Azare said, “We have dismantled cult cells, crushed burglary syndicates, thwarted kidnappers, repelled pirates, and intercepted vandals and robbers. Let this serve as a clear message: Akwa Ibom State is no haven for criminals.”
With President Bola Tinubu scheduled to visit the state over the weekend, Azare assured that adequate security measures have been put in place to maintain peace. He warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt the state’s stability would be dealt with decisively.
“We use this occasion to once again urge the public to continue providing actionable information. Together, we will strengthen our gains and deepen community,” he stated.
