The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Afolabi, has declared that the state will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements, pledging to run an accountable, professional and intelligence-driven police command focused on protecting lives and property.

Afolabi made the declaration on Tuesday during his maiden briefing with senior officers of the command, where he warned against extortion and other forms of misconduct.

Addressing the officers, the CP said he came to Abia with “a singular focus: to serve with integrity, enforce the law without fear or favour, and safeguard the lives and property of every resident.”

He said his mission was to drive and implement the ongoing strategic re-engineering agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, describing the IGP’s vision as the command’s operational roadmap.

“My mission is to effectively drive, implement, and practicalise the ongoing strategic re-engineering agenda of the Inspector-General of Police. The IGP’s vision remains our operational roadmap,” he said.

Afolabi warned officers against extortion, corruption and any conduct capable of bringing the command into disrepute, stressing that accountability and professionalism would remain non-negotiable.

Intelligence-led policing

The commissioner reaffirmed that intelligence-led policing would form the foundation of the command’s security strategy.

He directed the sustained training and retraining of personnel in intelligence gathering, investigations, crime mapping, crime prevention, human rights, electoral laws and emotional intelligence.

Afolabi also emphasised continuous professional development and mentoring to ensure officers were adequately equipped to deliver their duties effectively.

On community relations, the CP urged officers to strengthen collaboration with community leaders, other stakeholders and sister security agencies, noting that public trust was essential to improving security.

“While officers are expected to be professional and civil in their conduct, such disposition must not be misconstrued as weakness. Officers must remain firm, disciplined, and courageous in the lawful execution of their duties,” he added.

The commissioner also directed strict enforcement of traffic laws across the state, with traffic officers expected to lead the effort in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure compliance and maintain the free flow of traffic.

Afolabi commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his efforts towards improving development and security in the state and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to working with other security agencies.

In his closing remarks, the CP declared that “Abia State will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements,” assuring residents that the command would intensify intelligence-driven policing to combat crime and strengthen public confidence.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said the meeting was attended by area commanders, divisional police officers, heads of departments and commanders of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).