The newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has unveiled an aggressive crime-fighting strategy during his maiden press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Uyo.
With a unique background as a trained journalist and member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), CP Azare leveraged his expertise to connect with the press and outline his vision for a secure Akwa Ibom.
“The media are my first constituency, and together we will secure this state,” he declared.
CP Azare highlighted an impressive string of successes within days of assuming office to include the arrest of two suspects for stealing transformer oil and cables worth millions, with recovered items including the stolen transformer and suspected charms.
He said his men recovered four state fire trucks stolen and leased to multinational firms in a multi-year illegal operation with Four suspects in custody.
In a shocking case of prolonged abuse, six suspects were arrested for the rape of a 13-year-old boy.
CP Azare condemned the crime as “a grave offense against humanity” and pledged swift justice.
According to him, a Director in the Ministry of Justice and his niece were rescued from a forest hideout as two suspects were neutralized, while others are being pursued.
Another achievement he pointed out is the arrest of Leaders of secret cults, including the Ku Klux Klan and Italian Mafia confraternities.
The Commissioner emphasized that tackling crime in Akwa Ibom requires collective effort.
“We need traditional rulers, media, and all stakeholders to support our mission to rid the state of criminal elements,” he stated, reiterating the Command’s commitment to community policing.
To enhance transparency, CP Azare announced an open-door policy and public access to contact numbers of key officers, ensuring constant communication between law enforcement and citizens.
The Commissioner warned criminals that Akwa Ibom would no longer tolerate lawlessness.
“The era of impunity is over. We will pursue all criminals relentlessly until they choose the path of honor,” he said, calling on residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
Acknowledging the media’s capacity to shape public opinion, CP Azare urged journalists to verify their stories before publication.
“The era of ‘all efforts to reach the police proved abortive’ is over,” he assured, promising timely responses to inquiries.
CP Azare expressed gratitude to Governor Umo Eno for his support, describing it as pivotal to achieving the shared vision of peace and security in the state.
Under CP Azare’s leadership, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command appears set to usher in a new era of proactive policing, transparency, and community partnership. Residents and stakeholders are optimistic that this fresh approach will create a safer and more secure environment for all.
