The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an officer, Inspector Monday Okonta, after a seven-year-old boy was injured during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo, the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred at about 9:30pm on Friday, September 11, along Abak Road, where officers attached to the Quick Response Squad were carrying out a routine operation.
According to the police, the officers stopped a vehicle carrying members of a family during the exercise.
During the encounter, a smoke pistol was allegedly discharged by one of the officers, hitting the seven-year-old boy who was inside the vehicle and injuring his left hand.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police ordered an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The officer allegedly involved was identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Commissioner also visited the injured child in hospital, where he met with the family and assessed the boy’s condition. The police said the child is currently stable and responding to treatment.
The command assured the family that the incident would be investigated thoroughly and impartially.
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The Commissioner stressed that although police officers would continue to conduct stop-and-search operations as part of efforts to prevent crime, such duties must be carried out professionally and with respect for citizens’ rights.
He added that the command would not protect any officer found guilty of misconduct or abuse of authority, promising that appropriate disciplinary and legal measures would be taken if the investigation establishes culpability.
The police urged the family and members of the public to remain calm while the investigation continues, assuring them that the process would be transparent and fair.
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