Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare has warned that any hotel discovered to be havens for criminal elements will be shut, with the owners and managers arrested and prosecuted.
CP Azare handed down the warning during a strategic meeting with hoteliers at the Police Headquarters at Ikot Akpanabia, near Uyo, the state capital, following the ongoing clampdown on criminals in the state.
Key stakeholders that attended the meeting included stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector including the Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Nigeria Hotels Association (NHA), Restaurants and Bars Association of Nigeria (RABON), Hotels Owners Association (HOA), Association of Professional Chefs of Nigeria, Hospitality Consultants and Managers Association of Nigeria (HOCMAN), and the Airport Taxi Association of Nigeria (ATAN).
Azare emphasised the urgent need for collaboration between the Police and the hospitality industry to curb the rising trend of criminal elements using hotels as operational bases.
He explained that intelligence reports had revealed that some criminals were either hiding in hotels or operating from them.
The CP tasked hotel owners and managers to be vigilant by monitoring the activities of their guests and maintaining accurate records of persons checking into their establishments.
“It is your responsibility to ensure that your premises are not used as safe havens for criminals. Any hotel found to be harbouring or covering for such individuals will leave the Command with no option but to raid the premises and shut it down for investigations,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of early reporting, urging the stakeholders to alert the nearest police station of any suspicious activities or individuals, rather than waiting until crimes are committed.
l
The Akwa Ibom police boss assured the hoteliers that the Police are not out to disrupt their businesses but to ensure peace and security within the state.
Azare also reiterated that security is a collective responsibility, calling for maximum cooperation and support from the hospitality sector. “We must work together to maintain the reputation of Akwa Ibom as one of the most peaceful states in the country,” he added.
Responding, President of the Hotels Owners Association in the state, Mr. Daniel Udoh expressed gratitude to CP Azare for his proactive approach to ensuring security in the state.
He specifically applauded the CP for engaging stakeholders in the hospitality industry and assured the Police Command of the association’s continued support and cooperation.
He further pledged that hotel owners would take immediate steps to enhance security within their premises by maintaining accurate guest records, monitoring activities, and promptly reporting suspicious individuals or activities to the police.
Mr. Udoh emphasised the importance of the partnership between the hospitality sector and law enforcement in ensuring Akwa Ibom remains peaceful and safe for residents and visitors.
