By Abasi Ita
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an inspector, Monday Okonta, over the shooting of a seven year old boy during a stop and search operation along Abak Road, Uyo.
The incident occurred on September 11, 2026, when personnel of the Quick Response Squad stopped a vehicle conveying members of a family.
The command said a firearm was discharged during the encounter, injuring the child in the left hand.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.
According to John, Okonta, who was allegedly involved in the shooting, was identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo pending the outcome of the investigation.
She said the commissioner had personally visited the injured child at an undisclosed hospital, where he met with the family and assessed the child’s condition.
The child, she added, was stable and responding to treatment.
Azare expressed concern over the incident and assured the family that the command would establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The commissioner also directed police personnel to maintain professionalism during stop and search operations and ensure that their actions protect lives and property.
John quoted Azare as saying the command would neither shield nor condone misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority by its personnel.
She said any officer found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary and legal action in accordance with police regulations and extant laws.
The command appealed to the family and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its full course.
It also urged residents to cooperate with officers at lawful checkpoints and stop and search points, assuring the public that genuine complaints against police personnel would receive prompt attention.