Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Ebonyi State Police Command has issued a strong and unequivocal warning to its officers and men, reaffirming the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and charging all personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline, accountability, and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens. The warning was delivered by the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa-Okafor, during a strategic meeting held over the weekend of August 1-2, 2026, with Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and other senior officers. The meeting was convened to communicate the IGP's operational directives and reinforce ethical policing across the command, following the Inspector-General's recent engagement with the Strategic Management Team of the Nigeria Police Force.
Addressing the senior officers, CP Urunwa-Okafor warned against all forms of professional misconduct, including incivility towards members of the public, extortion, harassment, abuse of office, intimidation, and other unethical practices. She stressed that such actions would not be tolerated under any circumstances and that any officer found engaging in such behaviour would face appropriate disciplinary action. The commissioner also directed senior officers to strengthen supervision of personnel under their command, warning that supervisory officers would be held accountable for any misconduct arising from lapses in oversight. This directive underscores the command's commitment to ensuring that all officers are held to the highest standards of conduct and that those who fail to meet these standards are held responsible.
With political activities ahead of the forthcoming elections expected to intensify, CP Urunwa-Okafor ordered Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to enhance intelligence gathering and sustain intelligence-led operations against criminal hideouts to forestall crime and maintain public safety. The commissioner's directive reflects the command's determination to prevent electoral violence and ensure that the electoral process is conducted in a peaceful and secure environment. The commissioner further cautioned officers against conducting unlawful searches of citizens' mobile phones and other personal electronic devices without a valid search warrant, describing the practice as a violation of constitutional rights. This warning aligns with the IGP's previous directives, which have repeatedly reminded officers that the indiscriminate search of citizens' phones is illegal and undermines public trust in the police.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, who confirmed the development, noted that the meeting was part of ongoing efforts to communicate the IGP's operational directives and reinforce ethical policing across the command. He stated that the commissioner urged all officers to conduct themselves in ways that would protect the image of the Nigeria Police Force by demonstrating integrity, professionalism, respect for human rights, and courteous service in all dealings with the public. The commissioner's remarks come amid growing public concern over police misconduct, including allegations of extortion, harassment, and unlawful searches, which have eroded public confidence in the force. By reiterating the IGP's directives and warning against misconduct, the Ebonyi State Police Command is sending a clear message that it is committed to reforming its image and building a police force that is transparent, accountable, and people-oriented.
The directive also reinforces the IGP's broader vision of repositioning the Nigeria Police Force and improving its public perception. In recent months, the IGP has emphasised the need for officers to be professional, disciplined, and respectful of citizens' rights, warning that any officer found engaging in misconduct would face severe sanctions. The Ebonyi State Police Command's decision to convene a strategic meeting and issue a fresh warning to its officers is a direct response to this vision, demonstrating the command's commitment to aligning with the IGP's reform agenda. As the 2027 elections approach, the command's focus on intelligence-led operations and professional policing is expected to play a critical role in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.
The warning against unlawful searches of mobile phones is particularly significant, given the widespread concern over the practice of police officers demanding access to citizens' phones without a warrant. The commissioner's directive that such searches are unconstitutional serves as a reminder to officers that they must respect the privacy rights of citizens and adhere to the rule of law. The command has also urged members of the public to report any acts of police misconduct through the appropriate channels, assuring that all complaints will be investigated and dealt with in accordance with the law. As the Ebonyi State Police Command continues to implement the IGP's directives, the hope is that the renewed emphasis on professionalism, accountability, and respect for human rights will help rebuild public trust in the police and ensure that officers serve the public with integrity and dedication.
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