Delta: New Police commissioner unveils agenda

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta state, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has unveiled his policing agenda for the state, with a commitment to prioritising the protection of lives and property, intelligence-led crime fighting and stronger collaboration with communities and sister security agencies.

Erale, who assumed duty as the 25th state Commissioner of Police, said he was grateful to God and expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Delta state Police command.

The commissioner while briefing newsmen in Asaba, at the police headquarters, said he was fully aware of the responsibility attached to the office, stressing that the safety of residents and visitors to Delta state would remain his top priority.

He pledged to work within the ambit of the law to ensure that residents feel safe in their homes, workplaces, communities and places of interest.

According to him, Delta state occupies a strategic position as one of Nigeria’s economic hubs and is critical to the development and stability of the Niger Delta region.

While acknowledging the economic opportunities available in the state, Erale noted that Delta also faces security challenges which require a strong and effective security architecture.

He said his administration would pursue disciplined, intelligence-driven, community-oriented and professionally coordinated policing aimed at protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crimes, arresting and prosecuting criminals and strengthening public confidence in the police.

Erale listed discipline as one of the key pillars of his administration, saying officers would be required to adhere strictly to Police Rules and Regulations, professional ethics and Public Service Rules.

He promised to promote professionalism and respect for human rights, while maintaining zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of ethical misconduct.

The CP also said officers who demonstrate integrity and exceptional commitment to duty would be recognised and rewarded.

Strengthening community policing

On community policing, Erale said the command would strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious bodies and other stakeholders.

He encouraged community-based intelligence gathering and the early reporting of suspicious activities, promising to make the police more accessible and responsive to the peculiar security needs of communities across the state.

The commissioner also promised improved synergy between the Police and other sister security agencies through joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid response to emerging security threats.

Erale said the command would adopt a proactive and intelligence-led approach to policing, with emphasis on preventing crimes before they occur.

He pledged to intensify ongoing operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crimes, oil-related offences and other emerging threats.

The CP further promised to restore and sustain public confidence in the Police through professionalism, fairness and prompt response to complaints.

He said all citizens would be treated with dignity and respect irrespective of their status, while police visibility and responsiveness would be strengthened.