The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Afolabi, on Monday assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state, outlining his priorities for the command and warning officers against indiscipline and unprofessional conduct.

Afolabi took over from Danladi Isa, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

Speaking shortly after assuming office, the new CP said his agenda would be guided by the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, particularly the need to strengthen existing security structures and improve discipline within the force.

“What the IGP has come up with as his agenda is what I will try to replicate here. It is deepening security structures—already existing security structures on the ground,” Afolabi said.

He listed re-engineering intelligence structures, strengthening intelligence networks, building mutual trust between the police and the public, capacity development, crime mapping and prevention, officers’ welfare and discipline among his priorities.

He also mentioned compact courses, including endurance trekking for police personnel, as part of measures aimed at improving the effectiveness and preparedness of officers.

The commissioner said the command would also assess its level of preparedness ahead of forthcoming elections and review its existing crime prevention strategies.

“We will look at our state of preparedness now that the election is forthcoming. Also, there is a new crime prevention strategy to try to look at and try to see how we can reorganise or add to the existing crime prevention strategies on the ground,” he said.

Afolabi prioritises discipline and training

On discipline within the police force, Afolabi said capacity building would receive significant attention to ensure officers understood the ethical and professional standards required in the discharge of their duties.

“Yes, there are different approaches. And that is the reason why I’m going to give capacity building so much priority. So, part of the measures I intend to adopt is capacity building. Let our officers know what is right, what is ethical, the right way of carrying out your responsibility, enhancing professionalism,” he said.

The CP, however, warned that officers who deliberately violated professional standards after undergoing training would face disciplinary action.

“Now, if after investing millions in training you, you still decide to become a deviant, you may rest assured that we are not going to treat your matter with kid gloves. We have disciplinary processes. If you take its full course,” he stated.

Afolabi also said mentoring would form part of his approach to addressing misconduct, stressing that not every offence should automatically result in dismissal.

“Now, there is also the aspect of mentoring. You will mentor them. It is not every offence that will lead to dismissal,” he said.

He, however, warned that serious acts of misconduct would attract appropriate disciplinary measures.

“There are some you mentor them to do the right thing, but the gospel truth is that you cannot go and shoot a motorist along the highway now for no justifiable reason and expect that you bring your king or your religious leader to come and beg me and I will listen to them and I will not forgive you.

“As far as I am concerned, you are not fit to be in the force and the right thing will be done,” Afolabi said.

He added that where an officer had failed to perform a legitimate duty professionally rather than committing a grave offence, it would be the command’s responsibility to guide and retrain the officer.

“But, like others, maybe you didn’t do your job in a professional manner. It is my responsibility to teach you to do the job in a professional manner,” he said.