… injured boy responding to treatment
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an inspector and launched a full investigation after a seven-year-old boy was injured during a stop-and-search operation by operatives of the Quick Response Squad along Abak Road in Uyo on Friday night.
Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, MNIPR, who described the incident as regrettable, personally visited the injured child in hospital on Friday and assured the family that the Command would pursue the matter to a transparent and logical conclusion.
According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, the incident occurred at about 9:30pm on 11th September, 2026. Police personnel on routine stop-and-search duty along Abak Road flagged down a vehicle conveying members of a family.
Preliminary findings indicate that during the encounter, a smoke pistol was discharged by one of the officers. A pellet or fragment from the discharge reportedly struck the left hand of a seven-year-old boy who was seated inside the vehicle.
“Immediately the incident was brought to the attention of the Commissioner of Police, he directed that the officer allegedly involved, Inspector Monday Okonta, be identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Uyo, pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation,” the statement said.
CP Azare visited the child at the hospital where he is receiving treatment. The Command said the boy is in stable condition and responding to treatment. During the visit, the CP interacted with the family, assessed the child’s condition, and conveyed the Command’s concern.
The Commissioner expressed worry over the incident and stressed that while policing duties must continue, they must be carried out with restraint and respect for citizens’ rights.
“While officers of the Command will continue to discharge their lawful duties of crime prevention, stop-and-search and protection of lives and property, such duties must at all times be carried out with the highest level of professionalism, restraint, responsibility and respect for the safety and rights of members of the public,” CP Azare was quoted as saying.
He further emphasized that the Akwa Ibom State Police Command will not shield any personnel found culpable.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command will neither shield nor condone any act of misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority by any officer,” he stated. “Accordingly, where the investigation establishes misconduct or culpability, appropriate disciplinary and legal measures will be taken in accordance with extant laws and Police regulations.”
The detention of Inspector Okonta signals the Command’s intent to act swiftly. Sources within SCID confirmed to our correspondent that the officer is in custody and statements are being taken from other members of the QRS team who were present at the scene.
The incident has sparked concern among residents of Uyo, with many calling for better training and supervision of tactical teams during night operations. Stop-and-search has remained a major policing tool in Akwa Ibom amid efforts to curb crime, but civil society groups have repeatedly urged the police to balance security with public safety.
CP Azare has appealed to the family of the injured boy and the general public to remain calm while the investigation runs its course.
“I appeal to the family concerned and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its full course, assuring that the process will be transparent, professional and fair to all parties,” he said.
The CP also urged citizens to continue cooperating with police at lawful checkpoints, while assuring that genuine complaints against personnel will receive prompt attention.
“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability,” the statement concluded.
The Command said it will make the findings of the investigation public once concluded.
