By Abasi Ita
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned police officers against extrajudicial killings and abuse of firearms, stressing that no officer is above the law.
Disu gave the warning on Thursday during the passing out parade of 1,068 retrained constables at the Police Mobile Force Base, 26 PMF, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The IGP declared that the era of impunity in the Nigeria Police Force was over, warning that any officer who unlawfully kills a citizen or misuses a weapon would face dismissal and prosecution.
According to him, erring officers would no longer escape punishment through redeployment or internal disciplinary measures.
“No badge is a licence to kill and no uniform is a shield from justice,” Disu stated.
He explained that an untrained or reckless officer carrying firearms constitutes a danger to society, while a disciplined and professional policeman remains a protector of the people.
The police chief also praised the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for pioneering the retraining of female officers in arms handling, noting that gender does not determine competence in policing.
Disu reminded officers that Force Order 237 regulating the use of firearms remains in effect, stressing that firearms should only be used as a last resort and within the limits of the law.
He further warned against extortion, reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol and reckless handling of firearms, adding that violators would face summary dismissal and criminal prosecution.
The IGP urged the retrained constables to carry their weapons responsibly, wear their uniforms with dignity and treat members of the public with respect.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, Baba Azare, said some of the retrained personnel had been selected for the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit created to tackle violent crimes across the state.
Azare highlighted some operational successes of the command, including the safe evacuation of explosive devices from the Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and the rescue of kidnapped victims along the Calabar Oron waterways through inter agency collaboration.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to community policing and appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.