The Nigeria Police Force has declared a decisive crackdown on misconduct within its ranks, as 1,068 retrained constables graduated in Uyo under a renewed push for professionalism and accountability.
At a passing-out ceremony held on April 30, 2026, at the Police Mobile Force Base in Uyo, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, issued a strong warning that “impunity ends now,” emphasizing that officers who misuse firearms or violate citizens’ rights will face immediate dismissal and prosecution.
The retraining programme, conducted by the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, is part of broader reforms aimed at improving operational standards and restoring public trust. Disu stressed that the exercise was more than symbolic, describing it as the beginning of “a new professional dawn” for the Force.
He reiterated the importance of Force Order 237, which governs the use of firearms, noting that weapons must only be deployed as a last resort and within the confines of the law. “No badge is a license to kill. No uniform is a shield from justice,” he said, referencing a national address delivered a day earlier.
The police chief also warned against extortion, intoxication while on duty, and reckless behavior, stating that violators would face strict disciplinary and legal consequences.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Baba Mohammed Azare, revealed that some of the retrained officers would form part of a newly created Violent Crime Response Unit. The unit is expected to strengthen the state’s capacity to respond swiftly to serious criminal threats.
Azare highlighted recent achievements by the command, including the safe evacuation of explosive devices at a custodial facility in Ikot Ekpene and the successful rescue of kidnap victims along waterways between Calabar and Oron through inter-agency cooperation.
The ceremony was attended by several senior officers and dignitaries, including representatives of the Akwa Ibom State Government and top-ranking police officials from across the country.
Authorities reaffirmed their commitment to community policing, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement by providing credible information. They also assured the public that complaint channels remain open and that all allegations of misconduct will be thoroughly investigated.
The retraining initiative is widely seen as part of ongoing efforts to reform policing standards in Nigeria and address longstanding concerns over abuse of power within the Force.
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