Akwa Ibom State Police Command say it will henceforth place human rights compliance at the centre of all law enforcement operations across the state.
The new approach was disclosed on Tuesday in Uyo in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, following a two-day high-level training for senior police officers.
According to the release, the Command has directed area commanders, divisional police officers and unit heads to adopt a Human Rights-Based Policing (HRBP) framework as a compulsory operational guide.
The framework requires officers to ensure that arrests, investigations and security operations strictly observe legality, proportionality and respect for the dignity of citizens.
The shift followed an intensive workshop at the State Police Headquarters organised in collaboration with the Rule of Law and Empowerment Initiative (Partners West Africa Nigeria), with a focus on modern policing standards.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, according to the release said the decision reflects the realities of contemporary law enforcement, where public trust and professionalism are critical to effective crime control.
“Security enforcement must go hand in hand with accountability and respect for the rights of the people we serve.” He reportedly said.
The police said while the training also covered leadership, cybercrime and investigative procedures, the human rights framework emerged as the dominant outcome shaping future policing in the state.
The Command noted that implementation of the new strategy would be closely monitored, describing it as a decisive step towards rebuilding public confidence and strengthening police-community relations in Akwa Ibom State.
