The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an inspector following the shooting and injury of a seven-year-old boy during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo.
The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, along Abak Road, where officers attached to the Quick Response Squad were conducting a routine operation.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, a vehicle carrying members of a family was stopped by the officers.
She said a smoke pistol was allegedly discharged during the encounter, hitting the child in the left hand.
The command said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, immediately ordered a full investigation after receiving a report of the incident.
The officer allegedly involved, identified as Inspector Monday Okonta, was reportedly disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo while the investigation continues.
The police spokesperson said, “Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that at about 2130hrs, police personnel conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Abak Road stopped a vehicle conveying members of a family.”
She added that the command was concerned about the incident and was committed to determining exactly what happened.
The Commissioner of Police subsequently visited the injured child in hospital, where he met with the family and assessed the boy’s condition.
The command said the child is currently stable and responding to treatment.
Azare assured the family that the investigation would be conducted fairly and transparently, stressing that officers would be held accountable if found culpable.
He said, “Such operations must be conducted with professionalism, restraint and respect for the rights of citizens.”
The police commissioner also warned that the command would not protect officers found guilty of misconduct or abuse of authority.
He said appropriate disciplinary and legal measures would be taken if the investigation establishes wrongdoing.
Azare appealed for calm while the investigation proceeds and urged residents to continue cooperating with officers carrying out lawful stop-and-search operations.
