Decurity operatives drawn from key agencies in Akwa Ibom State on Tuesday converged in Uyo for a high-level sensitisation workshop aimed at strengthening ethical conduct, conflict management, and peace-building strategies within the law enforcement system.
The workshop, held as part of ongoing efforts to enhance professionalism and public trust in security operations, brought together participants from various agencies to deliberate on modern approaches to maintaining law and order in an increasingly complex society.
Leading discussions at the session, Solomon Okpo of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) Working Group underscored the urgent need for security personnel to strike a balance between enforcement duties and peace-building responsibilities. Drawing from practical conflict management experiences in Plateau, Benue, and Kogi States, he highlighted the consequences of over-reliance on force without community engagement.
Okpo noted that balancing enforcement with trust-building is no longer optional but a defining responsibility for security professionals. According to him, true effectiveness in law enforcement is measured not only by the capacity to enforce the law but by the ability to exercise authority with restraint, fairness, and a human-centered approach.
“In today’s environment, maintaining order goes beyond the use of force. It requires dialogue, understanding, and collaboration with the communities we serve,” he said.
He further stressed that trust remains the cornerstone of sustainable peace, warning that without it, enforcement efforts are likely to be met with resistance rather than cooperation.
Participants at the workshop were encouraged to adopt a dual strategy that combines firmness in upholding the law with deliberate efforts to foster peace, mutual respect, and community partnership.
The sensitisation programme is expected to contribute to improved security outcomes, promote justice, and strengthen unity across communities in Akwa Ibom State.
