Police Threaten To Shut Hotels Harboring Criminals In Akwa Ibom
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, has issued a stern warning to hotel owners and managers, stating that any hotel found harboring criminals will be shut down, and the owners or managers will face arrest and prosecution.
CP Azare delivered the warning during a strategic meeting with hoteliers at the Police Headquarters in Ikot Akpanabia, Uyo, as part of ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities in the state. Key stakeholders from the hospitality and tourism sectors, including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), and the Restaurants and Bars Association of Nigeria (RABON), among others, attended the meeting.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of collaboration between the police and the hospitality industry to address the increasing misuse of hotels as hideouts and operational bases for criminals. He revealed that intelligence reports had shown some criminals using hotels to plan or execute criminal activities.
CP Azare called on hotel owners and managers to be vigilant, ensuring they monitor guest activities and maintain detailed records of individuals checking into their establishments. He stated, “It is your responsibility to ensure that your premises are not used as safe havens for criminals. Any hotel found to be harboring such individuals will be raided and shut down for investigation.”
The Commissioner encouraged early reporting of suspicious activities, urging hoteliers to alert the police promptly instead of waiting until crimes are committed. He assured the hospitality sector that the police were not trying to disrupt their businesses but to ensure the safety and security of Akwa Ibom.
Security, he reiterated, is a collective responsibility, and he called for the hospitality sector’s full cooperation in maintaining Akwa Ibom’s peaceful reputation.
Responding, Mr. Daniel Udoh, President of the Hotels Owners Association in the state, expressed gratitude to CP Azare for his proactive stance on security. He assured the police of the association’s continued cooperation, including ensuring accurate guest records, monitoring activities, and promptly reporting suspicious individuals or activities.
Udoh stressed the critical role of the partnership between the hospitality industry and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of Akwa Ibom for both residents and visitors.
