The Rivers State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the encounter between the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, and police officers stationed at Nkpolu Police Division.
The Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued on Monday, dismissed reports suggesting that officers failed to recognise the Commissioner during a stop-and-search exercise at Mile 3, Diobu, on 20 March.
She further noted that the officers at the scene acknowledged the CP’s presence and accorded him due respect despite his appearance in mufti.
While explaining the stop-and-search operation routine exercise, which was part of CP Adepoju’s earlier issued directives, aims to strengthen security across the state ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
During the visit, CP Adepoju was said to have used the opportunity to address officers on the need for professionalism and civility in dealing with members of the public.
He, however, cautioned against unethical conduct and advised the Divisional Police Officer to properly reposition security officers to ensure both operational effectiveness and officer safety.
More details indicated that the states commissioner has continued his tour across strategic locations and worship centres within Port Harcourt, assessing security deployment and reinforcing his earlier directives to officers.
The Command reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order, stressing its goal of achieving zero crime incidents before, during and after the Sallah festivities.
