Osun poll: A’Ibom CP warns deployed officers against misconduct
August 13, 2026 4:00 pm
Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare. Photo: Akwa Ibom Police
By Patrick Odey
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has warned officers and men of the command deployed for election duty in Osun State against unprofessional conduct.
A statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, in Uyo on Thursday, said the CP gave the warning while addressing the officers before their departure for Osun State.
He reminded them that election duty was a sensitive national responsibility, adding that their conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force.
The CP urged them to remain neutral and professional in their conduct, warning that they must not allow themselves to be used by any political party, individual or candidate or indulge in partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force or other acts of misconduct.
“You are going to Osun State as representatives of the Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command. You must remain completely neutral and professional. Do not allow yourselves to be used by any political party, candidate or individual.
“You are warned against partisanship, intimidation of voters, extortion, harassment, unnecessary use of force, incivility, abandonment of duty posts, consumption of alcohol while on duty, or any other act capable of bringing the Nigeria Police Force into disrepute.
“Your conduct must reflect the integrity, discipline and professionalism expected of personnel of the Nigeria Police Force,” the CP said.
Azare charged the officers to demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, neutrality and respect for the rule of law throughout the assignment.
He particularly cautioned the officers against violating the Inspector-General of Police’s Social Media Policy, stressing that they must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner inconsistent with the policy or capable of compromising operational security and the image of the Force.
“You must not post, livestream, share or circulate photographs, videos, comments or other materials relating to sensitive election operations in a manner inconsistent with or capable of compromising operational security and the image of the Force,” the statement added.
The CP further stressed that the IGP, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, had made adequate provisions for their transportation to and from Osun State, warning that no officer was authorised or expected to pay for transportation either to Osun State or back to Akwa Ibom State.
He directed all officers to travel strictly through the officially approved transportation arrangements and warned commanders and other personnel against collecting money from any officer under the guise of transportation or related movement expenses.
He further directed that any attempt to demand or collect such money should be immediately reported through the appropriate channel.
Azare urged the officers to remain under the command and control of their designated commanders, observe the rules of engagement, protect voters, electoral officials and election materials, and ensure that their actions contributed to a peaceful, credible and violence-free electoral process.
Patrick Odey is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Port Harcourt and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism. He has worked with notable publications including Post Express, Daily Champion, and Daily Trust, before joining Punch Newspapers. His career reflects a strong commitment to credible journalism, in-depth reporting, and public interest storytelling.
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