The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Olatokunbo Afolabi, has warned police officers that any officer who unjustifiably shoots a motorist on the highway will face severe disciplinary action.

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 CP said officers who make mistakes or fail to discharge their duties professionally would be guided and mentored where necessary, but stressed that deliberate misconduct would attract appropriate 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 maintained that any officer involved in such serious misconduct would be considered unfit to remain in the Nigeria Police Force.

He, however, assured officers who genuinely require guidance that they would be supported through mentoring and training aimed at improving their professionalism and ability to perform their duties effectively.

The Commissioner also said he would review the existing crime-fighting strategies of the Abia State Police 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 ensure optimal performance in the discharge of their responsibilities.