Akwa Ibom CP Tasks Youth Leaders On Community Policing

Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has called on youth leaders to own holistic action to tackle cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, oil theft, maritime and other violent crimes in the State.

CP Azare gave the charge at a high-level strategic security meeting with youth presidents and leaders from 31 local government areas of the state at the Command headquarters, Uyo, the state capital.

The police chief expressed the Command’s commitment to strengthening community policing, promoting youth–police cooperation, and sustaining the peace and stability currently enjoyed across the state.

Azare further commended the youth leaders for their discipline, maturity, and unwavering support throughout the year, noting that their responsible conduct, intelligence – sharing, and timely interventions prevented several potential crises and contributed significantly to the Command’s operational successes in 2025.

He also appreciated traditional rulers in the state for their fatherly guidance as well as the state government for its continuous support to the security architecture of the state.

The CP urged the youth leaders to continue to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, especially in engagements with investors, contractors, and development partners operating within their communities.

He noted that peaceful dialogue promotes development and fosters trust, while confrontational approaches undermine progress and tarnish community reputation.

The Commissioner further informed the youth leaders about government’s directive confining masquerade activities strictly to the village or town squares across the state.

“In line with the law, any community wishing to hold masquerade activities must first seek formal permission from the Commissioner of Police, upon which the Police Command will provide adequate security to ensure peaceful and orderly conduct,” he said.

The CP warned that “unauthorised masquerade outings will not be tolerated.”

He also issued a strong warning against jungle justice, describing the act as unlawful, barbaric, and capable of triggering widespread violence.

“No individual or group has the right to take the law into their own hands, and anyone found participating in mob action will be arrested and prosecuted,” he cautioned.

Azare also condemned the recent deployment of social media to create tension in the state that one Mary Hanney Secondary School at Oron, was attached and students, teachers kidnapped with some killed, disclosing that those behind the hoax alarm had been arrested and being prosecuted.

“The five suspects who fabricated and circulated a false kidnapping incident involving students of Oron Secondary School have been arrested and charged to court.”