October 31, (THEWILL) — The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has intensified its drive to strengthen the rule of law and professional policing with a two-day training workshop for officers, even as it cautioned Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) against operating under an illegal umbrella body in the state.
The training, held from October 30 to 31, 2025, at the Alkali Baba Conference Hall, Police Headquarters, Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, was organised in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative, also known as Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN).
It focused on enhancing officers’ understanding of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) of Akwa Ibom State, 2022, and other complementary legislations.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, lauded PWAN for its strategic partnership with the Command, describing the training as vital to improving policing standards and ensuring that officers operate strictly within the dictates of the law.
Azare urged participants to take the exercise seriously, noting that “no knowledge is a waste,” and charged them to apply the lessons learned in their daily operations to strengthen justice delivery and public trust in the Force.
Representing PWAN, Ms. Aisha Abubakar commended the Command’s openness to capacity building, describing the initiative as a platform to “refresh and remind officers about the rule of law.” She emphasised the pivotal role of the police as the most visible face of justice, urging participants to “become ambassadors of positive change” in law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner also issued a stern warning to Civil Society Organisations in the state against operating under the name “Akwa Ibom Civil Society Forum.”
Speaking during a meeting with CSO leaders at the Command Headquarters, Uyo, Azare clarified that the use of the nomenclature was unlawful, as it falsely suggests an official umbrella body for all civil society groups in the state. He therefore ordered an immediate cessation of its use.
The CP urged CSOs to operate strictly within the bounds of the law and avoid acts capable of breaching public peace, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to sustained collaboration with legitimate civil society partners to promote justice, transparency, and accountability.
The meeting had in attendance notable CSO leaders, including Franklyn Isong of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN), Comrade Tijah Bolton-Akpan of Policy Alert, Comrade Elkanah Oluyori, and Dr Ini Adiakpan, among others.
The Command reaffirmed its resolve to continue building the capacity of officers and deepening partnerships that advance the criminal justice system and promote peace in Akwa Ibom State.
