Days of Impunity over now, IGP warns officers

) The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has warned that the era of recklessness and impunity in the Force is over nationwide.

Mr Disu spoke during the passing-out of 1,068 retrained constables at Police Mobile Force Base 26, Uyo, on Thursday.

He said, “An unskilled officer with a gun is a danger, while a skilled, disciplined officer is a true guardian of the people.”

The I-G praised the Akwa Ibom command for retraining female officers in arms handling, stressing that gender is no barrier to competence.

He reminded officers that Force Order 237 remains binding, with firearms used only as a last resort, proportionately, and within the law.

“Impunity ends now. Any officer who misuses a weapon or kills unlawfully will be dismissed and prosecuted.

“Not transferred. Not queried. Not redeployed. No badge is a licence to kill. No uniform shields anyone from justice,” Disu said.

He also warned against extortion, drunkenness on duty, and reckless firearm use, noting offenders would face summary dismissal and prosecution.

Mr Disu urged the retrained constables to carry weapons with restraint, wear uniforms with dignity, and treat citizens with respect.

“The real examination begins tomorrow, when you return to the streets,” he said.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, said some personnel were selected for the new Violent Crime Response Unit.

He said the unit was created on the I-G’s directive as a strategic force against violent crimes across the state.

Azare cited successes, including safe evacuation of explosives at Ikot Ekpene custodial centre and rescue of kidnap victims along Calabar–Oron waterways.

He reaffirmed commitment to community policing, urging residents to support the police with timely and credible information.

NAN