As a way of providing succour to the families of fallen police officers who were dedicated to duty, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, disbursed N46,995,139.32 welfare scheme to the deceased families.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, presented cheques from the Group Life and IGP Family Welfare Schemes to the families of police officers who died in the line of duty.
During the presentation, CP Azare on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, lauded the initiative.
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Azare noted that the funds would serve as a vital support system for the families and further demonstrate that the Nigeria Police Force has not forgotten the sacrifices of their loved ones.
The beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the IGP, assuring that the funds would be used responsibly.
In another development, CP Azare decorated newly promoted officers to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at the State Headquarters in Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo.
He charged the newly promoted officers to view their promotion as a call to higher responsibility. “The reward for hard work is more work,” CP Azare stated, urging them to maintain professionalism, shun corruption, and remain dedicated to their duties.
Speaking on behalf of the promoted officers, DSP Nsikak Udedeh thanked the IGP and the command for the recognition, pledging that the beneficiaries would not disappoint the police leadership as they advance in their policing careers.
Police command warns masqueraders against crimes
The Akwa Ibom Police Command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has issued a stern warning to individuals and groups using masquerade festivals as a cover for criminal activities.
CP Azare expressed deep concern and disappointment over the recent trend where some masquerades, which are traditionally symbols of cultural heritage, entertainment, and celebration, have been involved in a range of illicit acts. These include aiding and abetting crimes, illegal possession of firearms, assaulting members of the public unjustly and peddling of hard drugs.
A statement by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom Police Command, noted that “Masquerades are meant to bring joy and showcase our rich cultural identity, not to serve as a disguise for criminal elements. It is utterly disheartening to see this revered tradition being desecrated by a few misguided individuals who are tarnishing our cultural values”, CP Azare stated.
The Commissioner emphasised that the Police Command will no longer tolerate this menace. He warned that anyone caught using masquerade costumes to perpetrate such heinous acts will face the full wrath of the law. The Command will intensify its intelligence-gathering efforts and operations to identify and apprehend those involved.
“My message to these criminals is clear: desist from these acts immediately or be prepared to face the consequences. The long arm of the law will catch up with you, and you will be brought to book. We will not allow a few bad apples to spoil the reputation of our vibrant cultural heritage,” CP Azare added.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command called on community leaders, traditional rulers, and the general public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing credible information that can help in nipping this disturbing trend in the bud.
