The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, psc, today paid a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo (UNIUYO), Prof. Christopher Ekong, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and critical institutions within the State.
A statement signed by the command public relations officer DSP Timfon John said the visit formed part of the Commissioner’s strategic engagements with key stakeholders across Akwa Ibom State, aimed at deepening mutual cooperation, strengthening information-sharing mechanisms, and promoting a safe and secure environment for residents, students, staff, and visitors.
During the engagement, CP Azare underscored the importance of a strong and sustained partnership between the Police and the academic community, particularly in view of the strategic role universities play in the development of human capital and the overall socio-economic advancement of society.
The Commissioner assured the Vice Chancellor of the Command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property within and around the university community. He emphasized that the Police would continue to work closely with the university management, relevant security stakeholders, students, staff, and other members of the academic community to prevent crime, respond promptly to security concerns, and maintain peace and order.
CP Azare further stressed the need for proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, effective communication, and early identification of emerging security threats. He noted that security is a collective responsibility and called for continuous cooperation and timely sharing of relevant information between the university authorities and security agencies.
The Commissioner also highlighted the Command’s preparedness to provide necessary security support for academic activities and other legitimate engagements within the university, while urging students and members of the university community to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate security authorities.
In his response, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Christopher Ekong, welcomed the Commissioner and appreciated the Command for its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State. He acknowledged the importance of a cordial relationship between the university and the Police, noting that a secure academic environment is essential for effective teaching, learning, research, and institutional development.
Prof. Ekong expressed the university management’s readiness to strengthen its collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command and other security agencies, particularly in areas of information sharing, crime prevention, student safety, and the preservation of peace within the university environment.
The visit further reinforced the shared commitment of both institutions to building a safer and more secure academic environment, where students, lecturers, researchers, administrative staff, and other members of the university community can pursue their legitimate activities without fear.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command reiterates that it remains committed to professional, people-oriented, proactive and intelligence-led policing, while sustaining strategic partnerships with institutions, traditional authorities, community leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders in its collective effort to keep Akwa Ibom State safe and secure.
