Police Investigate Officer for Shooting Seven-Year-Old Boy in Akwa Ibom

The Akwa Ibom State Police have arrested an officer named Monday Okonta. This follows the injury of a seven-year-old boy during a stop-and-search operation in Uyo, the state capital.

The information came from a statement released by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Timfon John, to journalists on Sunday in Uyo.

The incident happened on Friday, September 11, 2026, around 9:30 pm on Abak Road in Uyo. It involved officers from the Quick Response Squad.

John mentioned that the police were doing their usual stop-and-search when they stopped a vehicle carrying a family. During this encounter, a smoke pistol went off, injuring the boy’s left hand while he was inside the car.

The statement said, “The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State Command, CP Baba Mohammed, has ordered an immediate, thorough and impartial investigation into an incident involving personnel of the Quick Response Squad (QRS), during which a seven-year-old child sustained an injury along Abak Road, Uyo, on 11th September, 2026.

“Preliminary information available to the Command indicates that at about 2130hrs, police personnel conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along Abak Road stopped a vehicle conveying members of a family.

“It was alleged that during the encounter, a smoke pistol was discharged by one of the officers, resulting in an injury to the left hand of a seven-year-old boy who was inside the vehicle,” the statement continued.

The command’s PPRO expressed worry about the incident. She said the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, has assured the family that the police will find out what really happened.

After being informed of the situation, the Commissioner ordered that Inspector Monday Okonta, the officer involved, be identified, disarmed, and taken to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Uyo. This is until the investigation is completed.

Reports say the police chief visited the injured boy in the hospital. He spoke with the family, checked on the boy’s health, and promised them a thorough investigation.

Azare noted that while officers will keep doing stop-and-search and crime prevention work, these operations should be carried out with care, professionalism, and respect for people’s rights.

He emphasized that the Command will not protect or excuse any wrongdoing or abuse of power. If the investigation finds someone guilty, they will face disciplinary and legal actions.

The Commissioner asked the family and the public to stay calm and let the investigation proceed. He promised that the process would be open, professional, and fair. He also mentioned that the child is currently stable and responding to treatment.

Azare urged the public to keep cooperating with police at checkpoints. He assured that valid complaints against officers will be dealt with quickly.

“The Akwa Ibom State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law, and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and accountability. I urge members of the public to continue to cooperate with police officers at lawful checkpoints and stop-and-search points, as genuine complaints against personnel will continue to receive prompt and appropriate attention,” he added.