The Police Command in Akwa Ibom State has rejected a publication by Leadership Newspaper titled “Akwa Ibom Residents Decry Alleged Police Extortion, Harassment at Multiple Checkpoints,” describing it as misleading and malicious.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, the Command said the report was framed to portray the police in a bad light and presented unverified allegations as facts.
“The Command considers the report malicious in its framing and intended to portray the Police in a bad light. It presents unverified allegations and an estimate from an unnamed retired officer as though they establish the facts about police conduct and deployment throughout Akwa Ibom State,” the statement said.
The Command faulted the personnel strength estimate attributed to an anonymous retired officer in the report, saying it “is not even close to the Command’s actual strength and should not be presented as an authoritative figure.”
It added that for security and operational reasons, it does not disclose detailed personnel strength publicly.
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It also dismissed the claim that deployment at checkpoints on major routes meant other communities had been abandoned, noting that deployment is guided by prevailing security needs and operational assessments.
“The Command rejects the sweeping suggestion that it has neglected residents outside Uyo,” DSP John said.
The Command urged journalists to verify facts with appropriate authorities before publication, warning that reliance on views of retired officers who may no longer be abreast of current developments can result in inaccurate reporting.
On complaints of extortion, she said the Command takes such allegations seriously and maintains a Complaint Response Unit at the office of the Police Public Relations Department.
Members of the public who experience extortion were urged to report to the Unit on 08102958982 or approach any senior police officer, whose contact numbers are already in the public domain.
“Complaints will be examined, and any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal action,” DSP John assured.
On the reported injury to a child mentioned in the publication, the Command said it was a serious matter and had previously announced that the officer allegedly involved was arrested and detained for investigation, adding that findings will be made public soon.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and holding its personnel accountable.
