The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia, AIG Nwonyi P. Emeka, has charged police officers to maintain the ethical principles of the Nigeria Police Force and uphold the fundamental human rights of citizens while carrying out their duties.
AIG Emeka gave the directive during an operational visit to the Imo State Police Command, where he assessed the command’s activities, reviewed the prevailing security situation and offered strategic guidance aimed at improving security across the state.
During the visit, the AIG was received by the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, alongside members of the command’s management team, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers.
Also present were Heads of Departments, commanders of tactical teams, other senior and junior officers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC, Imo State Chapter, and representatives of the Police Officers’ Wives Association, POWA.
Earlier, CP Bosso briefed the visiting AIG on the security situation in Imo State, as well as the command’s operational activities, achievements and the challenges confronting its personnel.
The Commissioner of Police stressed the need for intelligence-driven policing, proactive deployment of officers, collaboration with other security agencies and sustained engagement with communities as key measures for strengthening security in the state.
Addressing officers and personnel of the command, AIG Emeka urged them to remain professional, disciplined, honest and accountable in the performance of their duties.
He warned officers against the careless handling or misuse of firearms and cautioned them against corruption, extortion, acts of indiscipline and improper dressing.
The AIG also reminded personnel of the importance of punctuality, adherence to the rule of law, respect for fundamental human rights and maintaining a civil and respectful attitude towards members of the public.
As part of his operational tour, AIG Emeka paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers. He was received by the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Community Policing, His Royal Majesty, Eze E.C. Okeke, who also serves as Chairman of the South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, alongside other traditional rulers.
The AIG commended the traditional institution for its continued support for security agencies and called on relevant stakeholders to sustain their cooperation with the police by providing timely and useful information that could assist in preventing and tackling crime.
Responding, Eze Okeke assured the AIG and the police authorities of the traditional rulers’ continued commitment to supporting security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and security across Imo State.
According to the spokesperson of the Imo State Police Command, Henry Okoye, the engagement created an avenue for strengthening the existing relationship and cooperation between the police and traditional rulers in efforts to combat crime within the state.
Okoye added that the AIG’s visit reflected the shared resolve of the Zone 9 Police Headquarters and the Imo State Police Command to promote professional policing, improve operational effectiveness and deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders for the benefit of residents.
The Imo State Police Command also took the AIG on an inspection tour of some of its operational facilities located across the state.
Meanwhile, representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee and the Police Officers’ Wives Association welcomed the AIG and pledged their continued support for the Nigeria Police Force and ongoing efforts aimed at improving community safety and security.
BACKSTORY:
The Nigeria Police Force has continued to face calls for improved professionalism, accountability and respect for human rights, particularly amid public concerns over police misconduct, extortion and the misuse of firearms. Security agencies in Imo State are also dealing with various security challenges, making intelligence gathering, community cooperation and collaboration between security agencies increasingly important. AIG Nwonyi P. Emeka’s operational visit to the Imo State Police Command was aimed at reviewing the security situation, assessing police operations and reinforcing the need for ethical and professional policing across the state.
