Firearms Are For Protection, Not Intimidation, Cross River CP Afegbua Warns

Wednesday July 1, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng

By Idorenyin UMOREN
Private Investigator and Security Evaluator

The Cross River State Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, has reminded police officers that firearms are issued solely for the protection of lives and property and must never be used to intimidate, harass or abuse members of the public.

CP Afegbua gave the charge on Monday, during the closing ceremony and certification of 712 newly trained Corporals and Constables who completed the Musketry and Weapons Handling Training Programme at the 11 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Calabar.

Addressing the graduating officers, the Commissioner of Police stressed that every firearm entrusted to a police officer carries enormous responsibility and should only be deployed in accordance with the law and the highest standards of professionalism.

“Every firearm entrusted to you carries an enormous responsibility. It is issued for the protection of lives and property, the preservation of peace, and the enforcement of the law, not for intimidation or abuse,” CP Afegbua stated.

He urged the officers to allow every decision they make in the line of duty to be guided by the rule of law, respect for human rights and ethical policing, adding that professionalism remains the cornerstone of effective law enforcement.

The Commissioner explained that the training programme was organised in line with the strategic vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to strengthen the capacity of police personnel in addressing emerging security challenges through continuous training and professional development.

According to him, the exercise was conducted in three phases between June 1 and June 19, 2026, bringing together personnel from the three senatorial districts of Cross River State. The officers underwent intensive practical and theoretical instruction in musketry, weapons handling, operational safety and responsible use of force.