Aniefiok Christopher
The Akwa Ibom Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, has challenged senior police officers to embrace mentorship as a fundamental leadership responsibility and a critical tool in building the next generation of professional police leaders in the Nigeria Police Force.
Azare described mentorship as one of the most powerful instruments for institutional growth, stressing that policing is not merely about enforcing the law but also about developing capable, disciplined, ethical, and service-oriented officers who will sustain the vision and values for the Force.
He made the call while delivering a lecture titled “Mentorship in Policing: Building the Next Generation of Professional Police Leaders” during the Command’s end-of-the-month Conference with senior officers held at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
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Addressing officers drawn from Area Commands, Divisions, Tactical Units, Departments, and Formations across the State, the Commissioner emphasised that the future strength, effectiveness, and credibility of the Nigeria Police Force depend largely on the quality of leadership being cultivated today.
‘‘Every senior officer bears a dual responsibility: not only to command personnel and achieve operational objectives but also to intentionally guide, coach, and develop younger officers for future leadership roles,’’ he pointed out.
CP Azare further highlighted the importance of transferring institutional knowledge, operational experience, professional ethics, investigative skills, intelligence-gathering techniques, and leadership values from experienced officers to younger personnel. He stressed that many of the critical competencies required for effective policing are acquired through practical experience and guided exposure rather than formal classroom instruction alone.
Azare observed that the Commissioners of Police, Assistant Inspectors General, Deputy Inspectors General, and Inspectors General of tomorrow are among today’s junior officers and must therefore be properly nurtured through deliberate mentorship.
The Commissioner underscored the role of mentorship in promoting professionalism, discipline, accountability, and respect for human rights.
He maintained that officers who receive proper guidance and positive leadership are more likely to demonstrate integrity, uphold ethical standards, and avoid misconduct, corruption, abuse of authority, and other unprofessional behaviours capable of undermining public trust in the Police.
Speaking on leadership succession, CP Azare urged senior officers to see mentorship as a strategic investment in the future of the Force. He stated that true leadership is not measured solely by crime statistics, arrests, or operational achievements, but by the number of officers developed, the quality of future leaders produced, and the professional values transmitted to succeeding generations.
On human rights policing, CP Azare reminded officers that modern policing demands professionalism, transparency, accountability, respect for human dignity, and adherence to the rule of law. He urged senior officers to continuously guide younger personnel in these principles, noting that the conduct of police officers directly influences public confidence and the image of the Force.
In his closing remarks, the Commissioner charged officers to commit themselves to building a culture of mentorship within their respective Area of responsibility stressing that the enduring legacy of any police leader lies not in the office occupied but in the leaders developed.
The lecture generated robust discussions among participants, who acknowledged the importance of mentorship in strengthening leadership capacity, enhancing professionalism, and ensuring sustainable succession within the Nigeria Police Force.
The conference formed part of the Command’s continuous efforts to promote professional excellence, ethical policing, leadership development, and effective service delivery in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police for a modern, accountable, and people-centered Police Force.
Police Clamp Down on Suspects, Recover Firearms
In a sustained effort at purging criminal activities from Akwa Ibom, the State Police Command clamp down has led to arrest of three suspects and recovery of firearms.
The effort is meant to ensuring identified black spots across the state are rid of criminal elements.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, in a press release, said ‘‘The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has continued its aggressive operations aimed at eliminating criminal activities and ensuring that all identified black spots across the State are rid of criminal elements.
‘‘In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police on proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and sustained visibility patrols, officers of the Command recorded significant successes through coordinated raids, stop-and-search operations, and swift response to distress calls across various divisions within the state.’’
The release noted ‘‘Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command carried out a raid operation on June 22, 2026, at about 8:45 p.m. at Urua Ekpa Street. Upon sighting the police team, suspected criminals fled the scene, abandoning a red scarf used to conceal a locally fabricated pistol. The recovered firearm has been secured while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
‘‘Similarly, operatives of the Command while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the Aba–Ikot Ekpene Road on the same date, intercepted an Opel motorcycle. During a search of the motorcycle, a Dane gun concealed on the vehicle was discovered. The rider, however, abandoned the motorcycle and escaped. Investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest the suspect.’’
In another development, according to it, operatives responded promptly to a distress call and arrested two suspects, identified as Uduak James and Matthew Udo, for alleged theft of palm fruits. A subsequent search conducted at the suspects’ premises led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, one live cartridge, an unregistered motorcycle, and wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
‘‘The suspects are currently in police custody while further investigation continues.’’
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has reiterated the Command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of lives and property throughout Akwa Ibom State. He has warned criminal elements to desist from all unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law.
The Command wishes to assure members of the public that all suspects connected to these cases will be diligently investigated and prosecuted where necessary. Residents are encouraged to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to keep Akwa Ibom State safe and secure.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to maintain law and order, strengthen public confidence, and sustain the ongoing fight against crime across the State.
Commissioner for Information denies link with alleged gun possessor
Meanwhile, the Police Command nabbed one Wisdom Umanah for allegedly carrying a toy AK-47 rifle in Uyo.
DSP John had, in a press release issued on Wednesday, stated ‘‘Furthermore, an officer attached to Government House apprehended one Wisdom Umanah who was found in possession of a toy AK-47 rifle.
‘‘Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect claimed to be a vigilante operative attached to the Commissioner for Information on escort duties. The circumstances surrounding his activities and possession of the imitation firearm are being thoroughly investigated,’’ the release added.
However, Akwa Ibom Commissioner for Information, Dr. Aniekan Umanah, has denied links to an alleged gun possessor.
The clarification comes after the Akwa Ibom State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Timfon John in a press release announced the arrest of one Wisdom Umanah, who was reportedly found with a toy firearm and allegedly claimed to be a vigilante operative attached to the Commissioner’s Office.
Umanah distanced himself from the suspect and the claims linking him to his office.
In speaking with Premium Times ‘‘Mr Umanah denied having any vigilante operative working for him and said the only security personnel attached to him were officers officially deployed by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.’’
