New CP assumes duty in Abia, declares zero tolerance for misconduct

Mr. Wilfred Afolabi has officially assumed office as the 35th Commissioner of Police (CP) for the Abia State Command.

He took over leadership on Monday following a formal handover from the outgoing CP, Danladi Isa, who was recently promoted and redeployed to the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Kaduna.

Upon taking command at the headquarters in Umuahia, CP Afolabi outlined a strict operational agenda aligned with the security reforms of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Disu.

He said, “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.”

The new CP said his agenda would focus on re-engineering intelligence structures, enhancing intelligence networks, building mutual trust between the police and the public, capacity building, crime mapping and prevention, officers’ welfare, discipline and compact courses, including endurance trekking for police personnel.

He disclosed that his first major engagement after assuming duty would be with the intelligence department, underscoring the importance he attaches to intelligence gathering.

“Because of my intelligence background, intelligence is really going to be given much priority. We are going to make sure that intelligence structures are re-engineered and the intelligence network enhanced,” he said.

The new CP also promised to take community policing to a new level through regular engagement with stakeholders, including traditional rulers, youth and religious leaders, hoteliers, pharmacists and school proprietors.

According to him, such engagement would create a “two-way traffic” through which residents could communicate their security concerns to the police while also providing useful information for crime prevention.

“When there is mutual trust, there will be free flow of information. They will feel free to share information with us,” he said.

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, Afolabi said his administration would embark on extensive capacity building for officers, including training on electoral laws, human rights, emotional intelligence, crime mapping and investigation.

He said officers would also undergo physical and operational preparedness exercises ahead of the elections.

“We need to make our officers undertake what I call combat courses,” he said.

The CP further promised to review existing crime prevention strategies and introduce new approaches where necessary, while ensuring greater professionalism and uniformity in the handling of police case files.

Afolabi also came down hard on police personnel who deliberately abuse their powers, warning that officers who commit serious offences would face the full weight of disciplinary procedures.

He said his administration would combine mentoring and capacity building with firm disciplinary measures.

“If, after investing millions in training you, you still decide to become a deviant, be rest assured that we are not going to treat your matter with kid gloves,” he warned.

He gave an instance of any officer who unjustifiably shoots a motorist, saying such conduct would not be excused through intervention by traditional rulers or religious leaders.

“You cannot go and shoot a motorist along the highway now for no justifiable reason and expect that you will bring your king or your religious leader to come and beg me. I will not forgive you,” he said.

However, Afolabi said not every breach of duty would automatically attract dismissal, stressing that officers whose shortcomings arose from inadequate professional training would be mentored and retrained.

The new CP also listed police welfare among his priorities, arguing that officers who are properly catered for would be more motivated to perform their duties effectively.

“When our officers are taken care of and catered for, you get the best out of them,” he said.

He also pledged to maintain discipline within the command, declaring that his personal discipline would be reflected in the standards expected of officers under him.

Afolabi also assured journalists of a cordial working relationship, describing the media as critical partners in crime prevention, public enlightenment and confidence-building between the police and the public.

He promised regular interaction with the media in Abia, stressing that journalists should report both the successes and shortcomings of the police.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖