By Yemi Akinsuyi
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, Wednesday convened a joint strategic meeting with the Honourable Commissioner for Education, senior officials of the Ministry of Education, and all principals of secondary schools in the state to address the alarming rise in fake news fabrication by students and other emerging security threats within school environments.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police expressed serious concern over recent cases where students deliberately generated and circulated fake security alerts, edited videos, false allegations, and misleading social media posts intended to cause panic and disrupt academic activities.
CP Azare described such behaviour as criminal, warning that the fabrication or spread of false information is punishable under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act.
He further noted that the Police Command has observed increasing involvement of students in cyber-related offenses such as impersonation, internet fraud, online bullying, and scam activities.
The CP also highlighted other worrying trends including cultism, drug abuse, bullying, gangsterism, and sexual misconduct within some schools.
CP Azare assured the Ministry and all principals that the Police Command will intensify patrols around schools, deploy more school safety officers, strengthen intelligence gathering, and ensure prompt intervention in all reported cases.
He warned that any student caught fabricating or spreading harmful falsehoods, engaging in cultism, bullying, drug abuse, or any form of cybercrime will face appropriate legal action.
CP Azare issued directives to all principals aimed at strengthening discipline and enhancing security. Schools are now expected to: Conduct mandatory sensitization on fake news, cyber responsibility, and digital safety.
• Report all security-related incidents immediately to both the Police Command and the Ministry of Education.
• Strengthen internal monitoring teams, including counseling units and School Safety Committees.
• Reinforce supervision of students’ access to mobile phones and online platforms.
• Identify at-risk students early and engage their parents, counselors, and security agencies.
• Cooperate with Police Community Safety Officers assigned to their zones.
Speaking at the meeting, the Honourable Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to ensuring safe and conducive learning environments across Akwa Ibom State.
He stated that the Ministry will continue to enforce compliance with school policies, strengthen administrative oversight, and partner with the Police in rolling out statewide awareness programmes.
Also speaking, the Principal of Mary Hanney Secondary School, Oron, Mrs. Emma Ubongabasi James confirmed that there was no kidnap incident in the school last week, regretting that the viral hoax was a social media clout chasing adventure by a 15-year-old student.
In conclusion, CP Baba Mohammed Azare reaffirmed that Akwa Ibom State remains one of the safest states in the country and that the Command will continue to collaborate with the Ministry of Education and all stakeholders to sustain a secure and digitally responsible school environment.
