The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has pledged to prioritise the protection of lives and property through intelligence-driven, community-oriented and professionally coordinated policing across the state.
CP Erale, who is the 25th Commissioner of Police of the Delta State Police Command, made the commitment during his inaugural press briefing, where he outlined his mission statement and key agenda for strengthening security and public confidence in the Command.
The Commissioner of Police expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for the confidence reposed in him to lead the Command, noting that he was fully aware of the enormous responsibility associated with securing one of Nigeria's economically strategic states.
He described Delta State as a critical economic hub in the Niger Delta region, stressing the need for a strong and effective security architecture capable of supporting peace, stability and development.
According to him, his administration will focus on discipline, community policing, improved synergy with other security agencies, intelligence-led crime fighting, public confidence and the review of existing crime-fighting methodologies.
On discipline, CP Erale said the Command would enforce strict adherence to police rules, regulations and ethics while promoting professionalism, respect for human rights and zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct.
He also pledged to reward officers who demonstrate integrity, professionalism and exceptional service.
The new police commissioner further emphasised the importance of strengthening partnerships between the Police and members of the public, including traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious bodies and other stakeholders.
He said community-based intelligence gathering and the timely reporting of suspicious activities would remain central to the Command's security strategy.
CP Erale also promised to strengthen operational cooperation with sister security agencies through intelligence sharing, joint operations, coordinated patrols and rapid responses to emerging security threats.
On crime fighting, he said the Command would adopt proactive and intelligence-led strategies aimed at preventing crime before it occurs, while intensifying operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crimes, oil-related offences and other emerging threats.
He added that personnel and operational resources would be deployed based on crime trends and identified hotspots across the state.
The Commissioner also pledged to restore and sustain public confidence in the Police through professionalism, fairness, timely response to complaints and the dignified treatment of all citizens, irrespective of their status.
As part of efforts to reposition the Command, CP Erale announced plans to conduct a comprehensive review of existing operational strategies, establish measurable performance indicators for tactical teams and embrace technology, data analysis, intelligence assessment and regular training in addressing evolving crime patterns.
Acknowledging the contributions of his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, CP Erale said his administration would consolidate on existing achievements while confronting emerging security challenges with renewed energy and clarity.
He called on residents of Delta State to support the Police with timely and credible information, stressing that effective security requires the cooperation of the public.
“If you see something, say something,” he urged.
CP Erale also assured members of the media of a professional and frank working relationship, while charging officers and men of the Command to align with his mission statement and key agenda in the collective effort to make Delta State safer for residents and visitors.
