3,000 calls hit policewoman’s phone after she shared number online

The spokesperson of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command, DSP Timfon John, says she received more than 3,000 phone calls in one day after publicly sharing her phone number on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

According to her, the majority of the calls came from men, many of whom were attempting to profess their love.

Barely an hour after posting her number, she shared her shock online.

“100 calls in 10 mins? Abeg, make una try breathe,” she wrote on X, sounding visibly overwhelmed.

Responding to a humorous warning from her Delta State counterpart, Bright Edafe, who cautioned that she would not be able to “breathe,” she replied, “Sir, calls wan wound me.”

Benjamin Hundeyin, now the Force spokesperson but then the Lagos State police PRO, also joined the online banter, joking that no one would call him if he posted his own number.

Ms John’s post quickly went viral, attracting more than 1.5 million views on X and over 4,000 comments on Facebook.

Many commenters fixated on her looks, with some asking whether she was married or urging her to consider marrying them.

One user noted that she wasn’t wearing a ring, asking if that meant he was “free to shoot his shot.”

Another jokingly asked what crime he needed to commit to ensure he remained in her custody “forever.”

John confirmed that she received more than 3,000 calls, many from men expressing romantic interest or simply wanting to confirm her identity.

Despite the volume, she said the calls did not distract her from her duties.

Asked how she handles callers who stray into inappropriate territory, she said her approach is rooted in empathy and professionalism.

“We need to understand that these people are human.

“We are not wired the same way. I try to manage humans,” she said.

“Even when callers use abusive language, she explained, she chooses not to react.

“If somebody abuses me, I will say thank you and leave.

“The most important thing for me is to put across my message.”

She added that compliments and romantic advances do not interfere with her work, even though they often overshadow the content of her official posts.

In the professional space, many journalists in Akwa Ibom praised Ms John for her responsiveness and humility.

Daily Trust correspondent Iniabasi Umo said she is known for picking calls promptly and treating journalists with respect.

Idongesit Ashameri of Daily Independent described her as hardworking, quick to learn and efficient in her role as the command’s image maker.

Ashameri added that Ms John has earned admiration for balancing her demanding schedule with cordial relations with the media, attending press events and sometimes intervening when journalists have challenges with police officers.

Ms John was appointed the Akwa Ibom police spokesperson last year and, according to journalists, is already making a strong positive impression on the job.