The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained an officer after a seven-year-old boy was allegedly shot during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo.
The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Abak Road when police officers attached to the Quick Response Squad stopped a vehicle carrying a family.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, a firearm was allegedly discharged during the encounter, injuring the boy in his left hand.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, ordered the officer allegedly involved, Inspector Monday Okonta, to be disarmed and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Uyo, pending investigation.
Azare also visited the boy in hospital and assured his family that the incident would be thoroughly investigated. The child is reportedly in stable condition and responding to treatment.
The command said it would not shield any officer found guilty of misconduct, recklessness, or abuse of authority, adding that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would follow if the investigation establishes culpability.
