The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has noted a publication by SaharaReporters alleging that officers returning from a counter-insurgency deployment were made to pay ₦25,000 each as a “transit fee.”
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said for clarity, the transportation of officers from Uyo to Jaji and back is borne by the Squadron and not by the officers. There is no authorised ₦25,000 transit fee, and officers are not required to fund their official transportation.
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The Command takes any allegation of unauthorised demand or collection seriously. Consequently, an inquiry has been ordered to establish what occurred and identify anyone responsible.
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Any personnel found to have demanded or collected money without authority will face appropriate disciplinary action and, where warranted, prosecution.
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The Command invites any officer with direct knowledge of any payment demand or collection to provide relevant details through the appropriate channels. The investigation will be guided by evidence and conducted fairly.
The Command urges the public to treat the reported allegation as a matter requiring verification while the facts are being established.