IGP Pronounces Prosecution on Force accidental dischargers

 

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has announced an instant prosecution on police officers who cause the death of citizens as a result of accidental discharge.

The IGP made the announcement at the Passing Out Parade of One Thousand and Sixty-Eight (1,068) retrained police officers on Thursday, April 30, 2026, in Uyo.

Held at Police Mobile Base on Idoro Road, the IGP stressed that the training which included lessons on human rights protection, was enough for them to take precaution and be more careful when handling their weapons. 

"We have witnessed too many avoidable deaths, citizens killed by officers who claimed their weapon misfired. That tragedy has ended now. The the use of firearms must be the last resort; professional and strictly within the bounds of the Law", he charged. 

"This retraining has taught you mastery so that you don't fire unless you intend to fire because protecting lives is your highest calling. The best shot is the one that is not fired. A skilled officer with discipline is the guardian of the people, impunity ends now!", he stated, and made reference to the viral video of the Delta State killing.

"I want you to hear me clearly; any officer who misuses his weapon; who kills a citizen without lawful jurisdiction will be dismissed and prosecuted. Not transferred, not queried only but dismissed and handed over to the Law. I've warned all officers, the training you've received includes human rights. At Force order 237...you know the rules... Now you have no excuses. No badge is a license to kill...no uniform is a shield from justice. That is my promise", he charged. 

Similarly, the IGP called on Akwa Ibom people to see the officers as their partners in security and crime elimination; while urging them to report erring officers to the Force, stressing that no officer is above the Law.

Furthermore, he commended the State Police Commissioner, CP Baba Mohammed Azare for swiftly responding to his directive of retraining officers, saying his quick response was worth emulating. 

Responding, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Azare was grateful to the IGP for gracing the Passing out Parade.

"The retraining of these officers is in line with your directives to reposition the Force for greater efficiency and responsiveness", he said. 

"The training focused on weapon handling, disciplining, intelligence-led policing and respect for human rights", he informed. 

"Some of the trainees have been carefully selected to serve in the newly established violent crime response unit created to serve as a strategic response on combating crimes and enhancing rapid response to same" he added.

Congratulating the officers, the CP also charged them to serve with discipline, professionalism and integrity; adding that the confidence reposed on them must not be betrayed. 

"Let me make it clear that this Command will not tolerate misconduct, indiscipline or abuse of office. Any officer found wanting will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the law", he warned. 

While appreciating Governor Umo Eno for his continued support to the Police and other security agencies in the State, the State CP sought the IGP's support on the provision of marine gun boats to secure the Oron/Calabar waterways; construction of a standard shooting range to sustain continous firearms training, among others.

In his remarks, Governor Umo Eno commended the Akwa Ibom State Police Command for undertakings the training.

Represented by Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, the Governor noted that the training underscores the commitment of the Nigerian Police Force to professionalism, discipline and responsible use of firearms in the discharge of duty.

He told the gathering that security remains a top priority in his administration as peace and stability are essential for sustainable developments.  

He also congratulated the constables for the beginning of a higher responsibility to serve, noting that their role is even more critical as the election approaches.

"You are expected to conduct yourself with utmost professionalism, neutrality and fairness, ensuring that every citizen participate freely and fairly in the coming democratic process", Governor Eno charged.

Umo Eno @62: TIMS Offset Medical Bills of Indigent Patients

Priscilla Christopher-Akpanettot 

An indigenous medical organisation based in Uyo has intervened in the payment of bills of 50 indigent patients, in celebration of Governor Umo Eno's 62nd birthday. 

The organization, known as Tokiye Integrated Medical Services (TIMS) visited Ikot Ekpene General Hospital on Friday, April 24, 2026, being the Governor’s birthday, led by its Head of Corporate Services, Ms. Lyza Adiukwu.

At the facility, the team went round the maternity, post-natal, gynaecology and paediatric wards, sympathising with the patients and paying their bills, including those of the Accident and Emergency Ward.  

One of the babies visited was the Governor’s birthday mate, born about 4:00am that morning.  

Of particular interest were 12 babies in the incubating facility with cases such as neonatal sepsis, neonatal jaundice and severe birth asphyzxia, who were due for discharge but delayed due to lack of funds. The joy on the faces of their families could not be contained as thier bills were cleared by TIMS.

Similarly, patients at the gynaecology ward who were due for discharge but had not paid their bills shed tears of joy at the gesture.

One of them was Mrs. Hannah Dominic Henry who underwent myomectomy (removal of fibroid). 

At the Paediatric Ward, a pathetic sight greeted the team as parents of children with severe cases of burns, surgeries and other medical needs lamented their inability to afford the cost of treatment. But their faces glowed with excitement when it was announced that their bills have been cleared by TIMS.

One of them, Mr. Trust James whose 16 year old was managing Juvenile Diabetes was far more overjoyed. Not only was his child's hospital paid, the cost of his drugs were also covered by TIMS. 

In his reaction to the gesture, Mr. James praised the visiting team for the timely intervention and prayed God's blessings and unending supply upon TIMS. He, alongside other parents also wished the Governor more enriching years, while lauding Pst. Umo Eno's health intervention through the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme.

He was supported by others such as Mrs. Idongesit Michael Ekanem, mother of the baby sharing the day with Governor Umo Eno; Mrs. Elizabeth Samuel Sunday, Mrs. OfonimeAbasi, Mrs. Uwakmfon Julius Victor, Mrs. Christiana Uwem Micah, Mrs. Hannah Dominic Henry and others who took turns to shower the Governor with goodwill messages and positive wishes.

Reacting to the development, the Medical Director of the Hospital, Dr. Nene Francis Andem was thankful to TIMS for choosing the facility for the intervention. 

She noted that the facility had a lot of indigent patients who could not afford their bills on completion of treatment.  

"We see lots of referrals coming in and by the time they're brought in here, they've already exhausted their funds, from seeking health services elsewhere", she told newsmen.

She was therefore grateful that the burden of those concerned have been borne by TIMS.  

Speaking for TIMS, the Strategic Communications Lead for TIMS, Imaobong Dem said the team was glad to be carrying out the Governor’s wish of channeling whatever would have been given to him as birthday gift to the less privileged.

"It's so exciting to see that a number of them have smiled which is what the Governor wants", she remarked.

While commending the hospital's hygiene and sanitary condition, the Communications Lead, on behalf of the team, lauded Governor Umo Eno on his birthday and wished him many fruitful and fulfilling years. She also commended the Governor for making the Health Insurance Scheme effective, adding that the scheme has paved way for others to benefit from thier intervention. 

The intervention featured the payment of two Chemotherapy sessions for Mrs. Okon Akpan Udo and a tour of the concerned wards.

In the intervention team were TIMS Human Resource Manager, Mrs Idongesit Ita; Head of Procurement and Supply Chain, Mr Abdulkahal Salihu; Financial Controller, Mr Ite Asuquo, among others.