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The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, has warned officers against unlawful detention, abuse of police powers and the criminalisation of purely civil disputes.
Ordue gave the warning on Thursday, during unscheduled visits to State Housing, Federal Housing and Ikpa Omin Police Divisions in Calabar, according to a Friday statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, on behalf of the CP.
The visits were part of the CP’s Management by Walking About (MBWA) initiative, aimed at strengthening operational supervision, assessing divisional performance and ensuring policing standards translate into effective service delivery across the command.
During the visits, the commissioner inspected detention cells and other facilities, assessed the security architecture and operational preparedness of the divisions, and interacted with officers and men to obtain firsthand insight into their operational challenges, administrative processes and policing activities.
He also assessed compliance with established procedures and the general standards of service delivery at the divisional level.
Ordue stressed that the police must not be used as an instrument of intimidation, harassment or debt recovery, particularly in matters arising from contractual disagreements, land disputes and other civil transactions.
He emphasised that officers must exercise sound professional judgement in distinguishing civil disputes from genuine criminal allegations, ensuring that only matters disclosing criminal elements are subjected to criminal investigation in accordance with the law.
He further charged officers in charge of the divisions to strengthen internal supervision, uphold the fundamental rights of citizens, maintain proper documentation and strictly comply with established procedures governing arrest, investigation and detention.
He reiterated that professionalism, accountability and respect for the rule of law remain non-negotiable standards in the discharge of police duties.
The Commissioner noted that the MBWA initiative is designed to bridge the gap between command-level leadership and operational realities at the divisional level through direct engagement, firsthand assessment and sustained oversight.
He assured residents that the command remains committed to protecting lives and property, addressing security concerns and ensuring that citizens receive professional, responsive and accountable policing services.
He also encouraged members of the public to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information.
