NEWS
Police Arrest Eight Over Public Disturbance, Debunk Shooting Claims
Police Arrest Eight Over Public Disturbance, Debunk Shooting Claims
Police arrest eight persons over alleged acts capable of causing a breach of public peace.
Command says no shooting or gunshot injury was recorded during the disturbance.
CP Azare orders heightened vigilance, professionalism and restraint across the state.
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October 01, () – The Akwa Ibom Police Command has arrested eight persons in connection with a recent public disturbance in the state, while dismissing reports that police officers fired shots during the incident.
The Command, in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said no shooting incident was recorded, and no gunshot injury was reported in connection with the disturbance.
The Command said officers deployed to maintain law and order acted professionally and with restraint, adding that no personnel discharged a firearm during the operation.
The eight arrested persons were apprehended for alleged acts capable of causing a breach of public peace, and for reportedly disregarding lawful security directives.
The suspects are currently assisting with investigations, while the police say anyone found culpable would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has consequently directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Tactical Commanders and other operational personnel across the state to remain vigilant.
The CP further directed the personnel to maintain peace with the highest level of professionalism, restraint and respect for the rights of citizens.
The Command warned, however, that while it would continue to protect the lawful rights of residents, no individual or group would be allowed to use any guise to cause violence, intimidate members of the public or disrupt the prevailing peace in the state.
Speaking exclusively with Nigeria, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, urged residents to remain calm and rely on verified information from the Command, stressing that the police remain committed to maintaining peace and protecting lives and property.
DSP Timfon John
“There was no shooting and no gunshot injury was recorded or reported to the Command. Eight persons were arrested in connection with the disturbance, and they are assisting with investigations”, Timfon said.
The Command appealed to members of the public to continue their lawful activities and disregard rumours or unverified reports capable of creating unnecessary fear and tension.
It also urged media practitioners, bloggers, social media users and content creators to verify security-related information through appropriate channels before publication.
The police reiterated that the state remains calm and assured residents that all lawful measures would continue to be taken to preserve peace and security across Akwa Ibom.