The newly posted Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, has unveiled a new security strategy aimed at curbing major crimes and improving safety across the state.
Eralе made this known on Tuesday in Asaba while addressing journalists during his first press briefing since taking over as the 25th police commissioner in Delta.
The police chief said his administration would place greater emphasis on intelligence gathering, community engagement and stronger cooperation with other security agencies.
He identified kidnapping, cult-related activities, armed robbery, cybercrime, oil theft and other emerging crimes as key areas that would receive increased attention.
Eralе assured residents that protecting lives and property would remain his primary responsibility, promising to carry out his duties in accordance with the law.
He noted that Delta’s position as one of the major economic centres in the Niger Delta made peace and security essential for the state’s continued development.
The commissioner listed discipline, community policing, inter-agency cooperation, aggressive crime prevention and improved public trust as the major pillars of his administration.
He warned that officers found engaging in corruption, extortion or other forms of unprofessional conduct would face disciplinary measures. At the same time, he said personnel who distinguished themselves through commitment and integrity would be recognised and rewarded.
As part of efforts to strengthen community policing, Erale said the command would work more closely with traditional rulers, community heads, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious leaders and other stakeholders.
He appealed to residents to share credible information with the police whenever they notice suspicious movements or activities, noting that effective security requires cooperation between law enforcement and the public.
The CP also promised closer coordination with other security agencies through joint operations, intelligence exchange, coordinated patrols and faster responses to security threats.
He said police deployment would be guided by crime patterns, allowing the command to concentrate personnel and resources in areas identified as hotspots.
According to him, the command would also increase its presence across communities while reviewing existing crime-fighting methods to determine where improvements were needed.
Eralе said the police would increasingly rely on intelligence, technology and data to prevent crimes before they occur rather than simply responding after incidents have happened.
He added that tactical teams would be assessed using clear performance measures, while continuous training would be provided to help officers deal with changing criminal trends.
“We will build forward, not backwards, consolidating gains while confronting emerging threats with renewed energy and clarity,” he said.
The commissioner acknowledged the work of his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, saying his administration would retain and improve on the positive achievements already recorded by the command.
He urged Deltans to remain vigilant and assist the police with information that could help prevent criminal activities.
“If you see something, say something,” the commissioner told residents.
Eralе also sought the support of the media, promising to maintain an open and professional relationship with journalists and provide cooperation where necessary.
He charged officers and men of the command to embrace his vision, insisting that discipline, professionalism and commitment would be central to his leadership.
