The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has cautioned 1,068 retrained police constables against professional misconduct, declaring that the era of impunity within the Force is over.
Disu issued the warning on Thursday during the passing-out parade of the officers at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, stressing that the police uniform does not place officers above the law.
“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,” he said.
He added, “No badge is a license to kill. No uniform is a shield from justice.”
The IGP underscored the importance of professionalism, warning that poor training and indiscipline could endanger lives.
“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,” Disu stated.
He also reminded officers that Force Order 237 remains binding, emphasising strict adherence to rules guiding the use of force.
“Firearms must only be used as a last resort, proportionately, and strictly within the bounds of the law,” he said.
Disu further warned against misconduct such as extortion, drunkenness on duty and reckless use of firearms.
“Any officer found engaging in extortion, reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, or mishandling firearms will face summary dismissal and criminal prosecution,” he added.
Charging the newly retrained officers, he said, “Carry your weapons with pride but with restraint. Wear your uniform with dignity and treat every citizen with respect.”
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom Command, Baba Azare, disclosed that some of the retrained personnel had been drafted into a newly established unit.
“This cohort includes officers selected for the Violent Crime Response Unit, created to serve as a strategic strike force against violent crimes in the state,” Azare said.
Highlighting recent operational successes, he noted, “We successfully evacuated explosive devices at the Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and rescued kidnapped victims along the Calabar–Oron waterways through strong inter-agency collaboration.”
Azare reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing, urging residents to support security efforts.
“We urge members of the public to continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information to enhance safety across Akwa Ibom State,” he said.