By Chukwudi Osuji
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Police Headquarters, Umuahia, AIG Nwonyi P. Emeka, has cautioned officers and men of the Imo State Command against unsafe handling and improper use of firearms, corruption, extortion, indiscipline, and improper dressing.
He also emphasized punctuality, respect for the rule of law and fundamental human rights, and civility towards members of the public.
AIG Nwonyi gave the charge on Tuesday, during his operational tour of the State; to assess operational activities, review the security situation, and provide strategic direction towards strengthening security across the State.
He vowed that under his watch, police officers must uphold professionalism, discipline, integrity, and accountability in the discharge of their duties, stressing that officers caught in any forms professional misconduct will not be spared.
Speaking earlier while receiving the AIG at the Imo command, alongside the management team and top officers of the command; members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Imo State Chapter, and the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), the state Commissioner, CP Audu Garba Bosso briefed the AIG on the security situation in the State, operational activities, achievements, and challenges confronting the Command.
He highlighted the importance of intelligence-led policing, proactive deployment, inter-agency collaboration, and community engagement in strengthening security across the State.
Also, in their goodwill messages the PCRC Chairman, Imo State Chapter, Evangelist Dr. Bethran Uzodinma; PCRC Chairman, Zone 9, Dr. Collins Obi; and POWA Secretary, Mrs. Princess Nnaji, who welcomed the AIG and reaffirmed their continued support for the Police and community security efforts.
Briefing newsmen during the AIG's Imo visit, the command's spokesperson, DSP Henry Okoye said the visit underscores the shared commitment of Zone 9 Police Headquarters and the Imo State Police Command to professional policing, effective security operations, and stronger engagement with stakeholders in the interest of the people of Imo State.
In the same vein, as part of the operational tour, the AIG paid a courtesy visit to the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, where he was received by the Chairman, Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Community Policing, His Royal Majesty, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, Eze Imo, who is also Chairman, South-East Council of Traditional Rulers, alongside other revered traditional rulers of the Council.
The AIG appreciated the traditional rulers for their support and tasked stakeholders to continue supporting the Police with timely and actionable information in the fight against crime.
In response, HRM Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, Eze Imo, reaffirmed the commitment of the traditional institution to supporting security agencies in maintaining peace across the State.
According to the Zone 9 spokesperson, SP Iheanatu Bruno, "the engagement provided an opportunity to strengthen existing collaboration between the Police and traditional institutions in the fight against crime."
