The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an Inspector, Monday Okonta, following the shooting and injury of a seven-year-old boy during a stop-and-search operation along Abak Road in Uyo.
The incident occurred at about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, when personnel of the Police Quick Response Squad stopped a vehicle carrying a family.
According to the police, a smoke pistol was allegedly discharged by one of the officers during the encounter, injuring the child in his left hand.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.
Following the directive, Inspector Okonta, who was allegedly involved in the incident, was identified, disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police also visited the injured child at an undisclosed hospital, where he met with the family and assessed the boy’s condition.
The police said the child was in stable condition and responding to treatment.
Azare expressed concern over the incident and assured the family that the circumstances surrounding the shooting would be fully investigated.
He also directed police officers to carry out stop-and-search operations professionally and responsibly, stressing the need to protect lives and property while performing their duties.
The command further stated that it would not shield or condone misconduct, recklessness or abuse of authority by any officer.
It said that if the investigation establishes misconduct or culpability, appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken in line with existing laws and police regulations.
The police appealed to the family and members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to run its course, assuring them that the process would be transparent and fair.
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