Retiring CP advocates community policing to reduce crime

Outgoing commissioner of police (CP), Akwa Ibom state command, Gabriel Achong has suggested the formation of vigilante groups as one of the strategies to check criminality and other anti social vices in the society.

Achong who spoke with journalists in Uyo as part of activities to mark his retirement from the police force after 35 years of service said the involvement of communities in the security would go a long way in reducing criminal activities.

The police boss also denied reports that the creeks in the Niger Delta were bombed by the military, describing such reports as untrue and incorrect.

According to Achong, what took place was an inspection of the creeks to locate the hideouts of pirates adding however that the exercise was carried out by the Nigerian air force.

He said the exercise had paid off with the recovery of a gun-boat seized by the pirates which they used for criminal activities in both Akwa Ibom and Cross River States.

The retiring police commissioner who said he was not being driven away from his post but was leaving after serving the police force for 35 years expressed delight that crime wave has reduced drastically in Akwa Ibom.

“I did my best and my best you can see it, I will still be around to give advice, I will be a policeman till I die,’’ he said.

Recalling that the Umuleri/Aguleri communal crisis which erupted in Anambra State  was one operation that he undertook which he said he was proud of  because  “no soul was lost during the exercise though it was deadly,’’ added that he was happy that God had kept him alive throughout his period in the police.

Achong said apart from the reduction in crime wave under his watch in Akwa Ibom, the conduct of the 2015 elections and making Akwa Ibom safer for socio-economic activities were some of his remarkable achievements in the state.

“We have improved police image, successfully held the 2015 general elections, impacted positively on public confidence and made the Akwa Ibom environment safer and more secured for socio-economic activities,’’ he said.

“The fact that I am stepping out does not mean that the solid foundation on security which has been laid in Akwa Ibom would breakdown. The state will even be calmer. I am leaving because I have completed my 35 years of service,’’ Achong said.

ANIEFIOK UDONQUAK, Uyo