Police Inspector Detained After Shooting 7-Year-Old Boy

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has detained Inspector Monday Okonta over the alleged shooting of a seven-year-old boy during a stop-and-search operation on Abak Road, Uyo, at approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 11, 2026. The incident occurred when police personnel from the Quick Response Squad stopped a vehicle carrying a family, during which a smoke pistol was reportedly discharged, injuring the child’s left hand.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Timfon John, stated that the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has mandated an immediate and thorough investigation into the matter. The officer involved has been identified, disarmed, and is currently detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Ikot Akpan Abia.

CP Azare visited the injured child at a hospital, where he confirmed the child's stable condition and assured the family that the police would investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. He emphasized the need for police personnel to conduct their duties with professionalism, especially during stop-and-search operations.