By Solomon OKPO
UYO, The Akwa Ibom State Police Command on Tuesday intensified activities marking the 2026 National Police Week, as the Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Baba Azare, led a high-profile walkathon aimed at promoting public safety, physical fitness, and stronger community engagement.
The exercise, which took place in Uyo, commenced at the State Command Headquarters and terminated at Ibom Plaza, drawing participation from officers and men of the Command alongside a wide array of security agencies and civil stakeholders.
Among participating agencies were the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), reflecting a unified front in security management within the state.
The walkathon also witnessed the presence of corporate bodies and professional groups, including Ibom Air, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federated Chapel, Civil Society Organisations, the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), the Conference of Online Publishers Association of Nigeria (COOPA), Akwa Ibom Chapter, Ibom content creators, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).
Addressing participants, CP Azare described the initiative as a strategic component of community-oriented policing, noting that it aligns with the theme of the 2026 National Police Week, “Community Partnership: Building Trust.”
He stressed that the exercise was designed not only to showcase the physical readiness of police personnel but also to reinforce the visibility and accessibility of the Force within local communities.
“The Police are always within reach of the people. We encourage residents to collaborate with us in sustaining peace and security across the state,” the Commissioner stated.
He further commended sister security agencies and stakeholders for their active participation, describing their involvement as a clear demonstration of unity and shared responsibility in safeguarding lives and property.
CP Azare assured members of the public of the Command’s commitment to professionalism and responsiveness, urging residents to report complaints and security concerns promptly for necessary action.
The walkathon forms part of a series of activities lined up to commemorate the 2026 National Police Week, with a focus on strengthening trust, cooperation, and partnership between the Police and the communities they serve.
