By Onomiguren Agbamu
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has ordered the immediate review and restructuring of the Command’s tactical teams as he unveiled a new strategy to tackle kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime and other violent crimes in the state.
Erale, who is the 25th Commissioner of Police to head the Delta State Command, gave the directive on Tuesday at his inaugural press briefing in Asaba.
He said the Command under his leadership would shift from reactive policing to a more proactive, intelligence-led and technology-driven approach to crime prevention.
According to him, the effectiveness of all tactical teams would be measured against clearly defined performance indicators, while their operations would be subjected to regular reviews.
The commissioner also disclosed that personnel and operational resources would be deployed according to crime trends and identified security hotspots across the state.
“The safety of lives and property in Delta State is our priority, and I am committed to doing everything within the law to ensure that residents and visitors to the state feel safe in their homes, workplaces, communities and places of interest,” Erale said.
He described Delta as a major economic hub in the Niger Delta, noting that its strategic importance demanded a robust security architecture capable of creating an environment conducive to economic growth and development.
Six-Point Agenda
Unveiling his administration’s priorities, Erale listed discipline, community policing, improved collaboration with sister security agencies, intensified crime fighting, public confidence and a complete reboot of crime-fighting methodologies.
On discipline, he promised strict enforcement of police rules and regulations, public service rules and the rule of law.
He warned that corruption, extortion and other forms of professional misconduct would not be tolerated, while officers who distinguish themselves through integrity and exceptional service would be recognised and rewarded.
The commissioner also promised to strengthen community policing by deepening engagement with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious bodies and other critical stakeholders.
He appealed to residents to provide the police with timely and credible information, particularly on suspicious activities and emerging security threats.
Erale further pledged closer cooperation with other security agencies through joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid responses.
He said operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crime and oil-related crimes would be intensified.
Focus on Public Confidence
On restoring public confidence in the police, Erale said his administration would prioritise professionalism, fairness and prompt responses to complaints.
He assured residents that every citizen would be treated with dignity and respect irrespective of status.
The commissioner said his goal was to foster a policing culture in which residents see the police as partners in maintaining security rather than simply as an enforcement agency.
He added that the Command would continuously review its strategies in response to changing crime patterns through data analysis, intelligence assessment, technology and regular training.
Erale commended his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, and the Command’s management team for their contributions, saying he would build on existing achievements while confronting emerging security challenges with renewed determination.
He urged the people of Delta State to support the police by providing useful information, stressing that effective policing could not be achieved without public cooperation.
“If you see something, say something,” he said.
The commissioner also assured journalists of a professional and open relationship with the Command and directed all officers and personnel to key into the mission and agenda of his administration.
He expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for entrusting him with the leadership of the Delta State Police Command.
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