The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a stern warning to 1,068 newly retrained constables, declaring an end to impunity within the Nigeria Police Force and stressing that uniforms no longer shield officers from accountability.
Speaking during the passing-out parade at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, in Uyo on Thursday, Disu cautioned officers against professional misconduct, particularly the unlawful use of firearms.
“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,” he declared.
The police chief emphasized the dangers posed by poorly trained personnel, noting that while an unskilled officer with a weapon threatens public safety, a disciplined and well-trained officer serves as a true protector of the people.
He also commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for leading the retraining initiative, including the arms handling programme for female officers, underscoring that competence in policing transcends gender.
Reiterating the importance of adherence to Force Order 237, Disu reminded officers that firearms must only be used as a last resort, applied proportionately, and strictly within legal limits.
The IGP further warned against misconduct such as extortion, reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, and reckless handling of weapons, stating that violations would attract immediate dismissal and possible criminal prosecution.
He urged the officers to carry out their duties with professionalism — handling weapons with restraint, wearing their uniforms with dignity, and treating citizens with respect.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Azare, revealed that some of the retrained officers have been assigned to a newly created Violent Crime Response Unit. The unit is designed as a rapid-response force to tackle rising violent crimes across the state.
Azare highlighted recent achievements by the command, including the safe evacuation of explosive devices at the Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and the successful rescue of kidnapped victims along the Calabar–Oron waterways through inter-agency collaboration.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to strengthening community policing and called on residents of Akwa Ibom to support law enforcement efforts by providing timely and credible information.
