The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, Mohammed Baba Azare has convened a stakeholders’ security meeting in the state following the recent upsurge in insecurity in some parts of Nigeria.
He also debunked online reports that insurgents and Boko Haram terrorists have infiltrated Akwa Ibom, maintaining that such false reports would end up instilling fear in people.
Azare said the meeting which had in attendance representatives of traditional rulers, religious leaders, market and transport unions, student union, Nigeria Labour Congress, community representatives, and members of the press was aimed at reviewing the security situation in the state and strengthening collaborative efforts in maintaining peace and stability across all communities.
Azare reaffirmed that Akwa Ibom remained peaceful and secure, noting that the Command working closely with sister security agencies would continue to maintain robust patrols, effective surveillance, and intelligence-driven operations throughout the state.
He also expressed concern over the recent spread of fake news and unverified security alerts on social media, which have the potential to cause panic and undermine public confidence, emphasising the need for communities to take ownership of security by exposing criminal elements, including those involved in armed robbery, cultism, vandalism, drug peddling, and other unlawful activities.
He noted that no community can be truly safe if some residents shield or protect criminals and called on traditional and religious leaders, youth groups, market associations, and civil society organizations to continue working closely with the Police and other agencies to sustain the peaceful environment the state enjoys.
In their separate responses, some stakeholders including the CAN chairman, Bishop Chris Nyong, traditional ruler, Edidiem Sylvanus Okon, Chairman Centre for Human Right and Accountability Network, CHRAN, Franklyn Isong and Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, Sunny James, appreciated the CP and the Command as a whole for all their relentless efforts to ensuring peace and safety in the state.
They also made key observations, and commitments aimed at strengthening security collaboration across the state and unanimously pledged to strengthen collaboration with the Police Command, improve information sharing and support all initiatives aimed at sustaining peace and security in the area.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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