The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, MNIPR, has dedicated the prestigious honours conferred on the Nigeria Police Force, the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, and himself at the 19th Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, PSC (+), NPM, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, His Excellency Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, and the gallant officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force in recognition of their visionary leadership, unwavering support, professionalism, and sacrifices in advancing public safety and internal security.
In a statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said the prestigious continental security event was held on Thursday, 23rd July, 2026, at the President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, Banjul, The Gambia, and brought together security chiefs, law enforcement executives, policymakers, diplomats, and security experts from across Africa to deliberate on emerging security threats, policing innovations, and strategies for strengthening peace and security on the continent.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, CP Azare presented a paper titled “Engaging Global Best Practices in Policing Internal Security: The Nigeria Police Force Example,” where he showcased the remarkable reforms being implemented under the leadership of IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The presentation highlighted the Force’s transformation through intelligence-led policing, technological innovation, strategic inter-agency collaboration, capacity development, and strengthened community policing initiatives aimed at addressing evolving internal security challenges.
During the awards ceremony, CP Azare received, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, the prestigious Most Outstanding National Police in Africa (2025) Award presented to the Nigeria Police Force, in recognition of its outstanding contributions to policing excellence, operational effectiveness, and security management across the continent.
In addition, CP Azare was honoured with the award of Best Commissioner of Police in Crime Busting in West and Central Africa, while the Akwa Ibom State Police Command received the award as the Most Proactive State Police Command in Nigeria (2025) in recognition of its exceptional performance in crime prevention, intelligence-led operations, public safety, and community-focused policing.
Reacting to the recognitions, CP Azare described the awards as a collective achievement that reflects the purposeful leadership and strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, whose ongoing reforms have repositioned the Nigeria Police Force for greater efficiency, professionalism, and operational excellence.
He also paid glowing tribute to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, Governor of Akwa Ibom State, for his unwavering commitment to security, peace, and development. According to the Commissioner, the Governor’s consistent support for security agencies, investment in security infrastructure, and promotion of effective collaboration among stakeholders have significantly enhanced the Command’s capacity to deliver on its constitutional responsibilities.
CP Azare further dedicated the honours to the officers and men of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and, indeed, the entire Nigeria Police Force, describing the awards as a recognition of their courage, discipline, resilience, and selfless sacrifices in safeguarding lives and property under often challenging circumstances.
The Commissioner expressed profound appreciation to the organisers of the Security Watch Africa Conference and Awards for recognising the remarkable contributions of the Nigeria Police Force and the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to security and law enforcement in Africa. He noted that the awards would serve as greater motivation to continue pursuing excellence, professionalism, and innovation in policing.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the operational momentum that has earned it both national and continental recognition through intelligence-led policing, proactive crime prevention strategies, strengthened community engagement, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and unwavering respect for the rule of law.
CP Azare assured the good people of Akwa Ibom State that the Command remains resolute in its constitutional mandate of protecting lives and property, preserving public peace, combating crime, and ensuring a safe and secure environment conducive to sustainable development.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to providing professional, people-centred, intelligence-driven, and service-oriented policing in line with the vision and strategic direction of the Inspector-General of Police
