The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, has warned that any police officer who unjustifiably shoots a motorist on the highway will face severe disciplinary action and will not be shielded from punishment.

Afolabi issued the warning on Monday at the Command Headquarters in Umuahia shortly after assuming duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state.

The commissioner said officers who make mistakes or fail to perform their duties professionally would be guided and mentored where necessary, but stressed that serious misconduct would attract commensurate disciplinary measures.

“If you go and shoot a motorist along the highway for no justifiable reason, you cannot expect that you will bring your king or religious leader to beg me and I will listen,” he said.

Afolabi said any officer involved in such misconduct would be regarded as unfit to remain in the Nigeria Police Force, regardless of attempts by influential individuals or community leaders to intervene on the officer’s behalf.

He, however, emphasised that officers who genuinely require guidance would be supported through mentoring and training to improve their conduct and professionalism.

The Commissioner of Police also announced plans to review the existing crime-fighting strategies of the command, with a view to introducing new approaches where necessary.

He added that the welfare of police personnel would be prioritised to motivate officers and enhance their overall performance in combating crime and maintaining security across the state.