Abia CP Warns Officers Against Unjustified Shooting Of Motorists.

Abia CP Warns Officers Against Unjustified Shooting Of Motorists.

The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, has warned police officers against the unjustified use of firearms, particularly the shooting of motorists on highways.

Afolabi issued the warning on Monday at the Abia State Police Command Headquarters in Umuahia, shortly after assuming duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state.

The Commissioner said officers who violate professional standards or fail to discharge their responsibilities appropriately would face commensurate disciplinary action, stressing that no individual, regardless of status or influence, would be allowed to shield an erring officer.

He specifically warned that any officer who unjustifiably shoots a motorist on the highway should not expect intervention from traditional rulers, religious leaders or other influential persons to stop disciplinary proceedings against him.

“If you go and shoot a motorist along the highway for no justifiable reason, you cannot expect that you will bring your king or religious leader to beg me and I will listen,” Afolabi said.

According to him, officers who make mistakes in the course of their duties would be guided and mentored where necessary, but deliberate misconduct would attract appropriate sanctions.

Afolabi stressed that an officer involved in such serious misconduct could be considered unfit to remain in the Nigeria Police Force, as the Command would not tolerate actions capable of undermining public confidence in the police.

He, however, assured personnel that officers who genuinely require professional guidance would receive the necessary mentoring and training to improve their competence, discipline and service delivery.

The new Commissioner also disclosed plans to review existing crime-fighting strategies in the Command, with a view to adopting new and more effective approaches to tackling crime and improving security across Abia State.

He further pledged to prioritise the welfare of police personnel, noting that improved welfare and a conducive working environment would help officers perform their duties more effectively.

Afolabi called on officers and men of the Command to remain professional, disciplined and committed to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that the police would continue to work towards strengthening security and public confidence in the state.