Withdrawal of police officers from VIPs will not result in extortion on the roads –CP Azare
The Commissioner of Police for Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Baba Muhammed Azare, stated that the withdrawal of police officers from VIPs will not result in extortion on the roads, warning that any officers caught engaging in such activities will be arrested, tried, and punished.
Speaking on Saturday on Talk Radio programme on Inspiration FM in Uyo on policing in Akwa Ibom State this yuletide, Mr Azare, noted that the recent instruction of the Inspector General of Policy, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, on the withdrawal of policemen from VIPs has been fully complied with by the State Command.
CP Azare urged members of the public to cooperate with officers at checkpoints by answering questions politely and presenting relevant documents when asked to do so. He reiterated that the increased number of checkpoints now visible in the state is intended for crime prevention and public safety, not for extortion. He also added that the Command has implemented measures to address misconduct.
He said: “At all the locations where we have policemen conducting stop and search operations, we assign an officer who is an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) or higher to be in charge. This officer will be held responsible for anything that occurs at that checkpoint.”
“We have different layers of supervision for those points. As the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Operations moves around the state, the next to follow will be the DCP Administration, then the DCP State CID, and finally the ACPs.
“We are bringing you back to the road as police officers, and you are expected to protect the lives of human beings. Instead, you are engaging in extortion. If you are caught extorting anyone in Akwa Ibom, I assure you that you will be arrested, tried, and the law will catch up with you.
“That is our mandate, and we will not relent in enforcing it. Therefore, the public should report any instances of extortion or harassment by the police on the road to the nearest police station or use our contact numbers, which are available to the public.”
According to CP Azare, most of the criminals arrested at police checkpoints were initially unruly and aggressive when stopped, and they would not willingly submit to checks.
“By the time we insist on checking, you will either find locally made pistols, a double-barreled gun, or ammunition inside the car. Sometimes, they will rush out of the car and run.”
“The public should expect to undergo checks this season. These measures are intended for crime prevention and public safety. With the withdrawal of officers from VIP duties, we now have more personnel available to ensure that citizens can feel safe and secure. The public should continue to trust the police.”
