Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police for Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has issued a firm and unequivocal warning to officers and personnel of the command against unprofessional conduct, abuse of power, and infringement of the fundamental human rights of citizens, declaring that the era of impunity for human rights violators within the force is over. The commissioner made the declaration on Monday, August 17, 2026, while delivering his maiden lecture at the State Command headquarters to Senior Police Officers, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Investigating and Tactical Units in the command.
CP Ordue, who assumed office on Monday, August 10, 2026, as the 49th Commissioner of Police for Cross River State, expressed concern over what he described as the observed increase in fundamental human rights-related suits and complaints from different quarters of the command, particularly allegations bordering on gross violations of citizens' rights, unlawful and prolonged detention, abuse of police powers, and other forms of professional misconduct. The commissioner's warning comes at a critical time when public trust in the Nigeria Police Force has been eroded by persistent reports of extortion, illegal detention, and brutality.
The commissioner charged all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Heads of Units to strengthen supervision and ensure that personnel under their watch operate strictly within the law, extant Police regulations, and professional standards. He warned that any officer found culpable of human rights violations or other misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with extant laws and regulations, while supervisors would be held accountable for lapses arising from poor supervision. The warning was particularly significant because it placed responsibility not only on rank-and-file officers but also on their commanders, signalling a new approach to accountability within the command.
CP Ordue is anchoring his administration on the D-C-I-I-D-D-T policing framework: Discipline, Community Policing, Inter-Agency Collaboration, Intelligence-Led Proactive Policing, Discreet Investigation, Diligent Prosecution, and Teamwork. He stressed that professionalism, discipline, and respect for human dignity remain fundamental to effective policing and essential to strengthening public trust. The framework reflects a comprehensive approach to policing that prioritises intelligence, collaboration, and accountability, a departure from the reactive and often punitive style that has characterised police operations in many parts of the country.
The commissioner reiterated his commitment to protecting the rights of citizens and strengthening public confidence in the Police, urging personnel to conduct themselves in accordance with the law and the ethics of the Force. He also called on members of the public to report genuine cases of misconduct through appropriate channels, assuring that all legitimate complaints would receive necessary attention and be handled in accordance with the law. The appeal to the public was significant, as it signaled a willingness on the part of the new commissioner to engage with citizens and address their grievances.
CP Ordue's warning comes amid growing concerns over police brutality and human rights violations across Nigeria. The Nigeria Police Force has faced intense scrutiny in recent years, with numerous cases of extrajudicial killings, unlawful detention, and torture being documented by human rights organisations. The commissioner's declaration of zero tolerance for human rights violations is therefore a welcome development, but it remains to be seen whether it will translate into tangible changes on the ground.
The commissioner's emphasis on discipline and supervision is particularly important, as many cases of police misconduct can be traced back to a breakdown in command and control. By holding supervisors accountable for the actions of their subordinates, CP Ordue is sending a clear message that the days of turning a blind eye to misconduct are over. The D-C-I-I-D-D-T framework, with its focus on discipline, intelligence, and diligent prosecution, provides a roadmap for achieving this goal.
CP Ordue's warning also comes at a time when the Cross River State Police Command is seeking to rebuild public trust. The command has faced its own share of controversies, including allegations of human rights violations by its officers. The commissioner's decision to address the issue head-on in his maiden lecture is a positive step, and his willingness to engage with the public and address their grievances is a sign of a new approach to policing in the state.
The challenge for CP Ordue will be to ensure that his warning is not merely rhetorical. The Nigeria Police Force has a long history of making promises that are not kept, and the public is understandably skeptical. However, the commissioner's commitment to the D-C-I-I-D-D-T framework and his emphasis on accountability suggest that he is serious about reform. The coming months will be critical in determining whether the new commissioner's vision will be realised or whether it will be undermined by the entrenched culture of impunity that has plagued the force for decades.
As CP Ordue settles into his new role, the people of Cross River State will be watching closely to see whether his warning translates into action. The commissioner has made his position clear: human rights violations will not be tolerated, and any officer found culpable will face the consequences. For now, the message is clear, and the hope is that the practice will follow.
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