December 05, (THEWILL) — The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has read the riot act to perpetrators of jungle justice, condemning the act in strong terms, saying it is “unlawful, barbaric, and capable of provoking widespread unrest.”
Addressing Youth Presidents and Leaders from the 31 Local Government Areas during a strategic security meeting at the Command Headquarters, Ikot Akpan-Abia, the Police helmsman warned that the era of mob attacks, instant punishment, and community-sanctioned brutality is over.
According to him, “No individual or group has the authority to take the law into their own hands under any circumstance.” He explained that jungle justice not only violates the law but also endangers innocent lives, fuels retaliatory attacks, and destabilises communities.
CP Azare stated firmly that the Command would arrest and prosecute anyone involved in mob action, regardless of the justification or motive claimed. He urged youths to exercise restraint whenever suspects are apprehended and to immediately hand such persons over to the Police, the only legally recognised authority empowered to investigate, prosecute, and ensure justice.
He noted that the engagement with youth leaders was convened to strengthen community policing, deepen Police-youth collaboration, and sustain the synergy that helped avert several security threats in 2025. He commended the youth leaders for their discipline, cooperation, and timely intelligence, and also acknowledged the support of traditional rulers and the state government.
Reiterating the state’s directive on masquerade activities, the Commissioner emphasised that such events must be restricted to village or town-hall squares and that organisers must obtain permission from the Office of the Commissioner of Police to ensure full compliance with the law.
On recent incidents, CP Azare announced the arrest and arraignment of five individuals who fabricated a false kidnapping involving students of Oron Secondary School, an act he described as reckless and capable of inciting public panic.
He warned that the Command would continue to clamp down on the spread of misinformation across the state.
Youth leaders present pledged unwavering cooperation with the Police in promoting peace and order. Representatives of content creators in the state are also committed to assisting the Command in combating cybercrime and exposing those who hide behind the guise of content creation to perpetrate offences.
The meeting ended with renewed commitments from both the Police Command and youth representatives to strengthen collaboration and safeguard peace, security, and development across Akwa Ibom State.
