Abia State has a new Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, who assumed office on Monday with a pledge to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen community policing and enforce strict discipline among officers.
Afolabi, who is the 35th Commissioner of Police in Abia, took over from AIG Danladi Isa, who was promoted and redeployed to the Force Criminal Investigation Department Annex in Kaduna.
Speaking with journalists shortly after assuming office, the new CP said his administration would build on existing security structures while overhauling the state’s intelligence network to improve crime prevention.
“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.
Afolabi said he would also implement the policing agenda of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu in Abia, particularly the drive to promote professionalism, dignity and effective service delivery within the police force.
He identified the intelligence department as his first major area of engagement, highlighting the importance of timely and accurate information in preventing crime.
The commissioner also promised to strengthen community policing by maintaining regular contact with traditional rulers, youth and religious leaders, hoteliers, pharmacists and school proprietors.
He said stronger relationships with these groups would establish a “two-way traffic”, allowing residents to raise security concerns while providing information that could assist police operations.
“When there is mutual trust, there will be free flow of information. They will feel free to share information with us,” he said.
Afolabi prepares Abia police for 2027 elections
With the 2027 general elections approaching, Afolabi said officers in the command would undergo extensive capacity building covering electoral laws, human rights, emotional intelligence, crime mapping and investigation.
He added that officers would also receive physical and operational training to prepare them for the demands of election security.
“We need to make our officers undertake what I call combat courses,” he said.
The new CP further disclosed plans to review existing crime prevention measures and introduce fresh strategies where necessary. He also promised to improve professionalism and consistency in the management of police case files.
Afolabi warned that police personnel who deliberately abuse their powers would face disciplinary action.
He said the command would combine mentoring and professional development with firm disciplinary measures against officers who knowingly violate the law.
“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.
Using the example of an officer who unjustifiably shoots a motorist, Afolabi said such conduct would not be overlooked even if traditional or religious leaders intervened on the officer’s behalf.
“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, he clarified that disciplinary action would not necessarily mean dismissal in every case, noting that officers whose shortcomings resulted from inadequate training would instead be subjected to mentoring and retraining.
The commissioner also identified the welfare of police personnel as a key priority, saying properly supported officers would be more motivated and effective in carrying out their duties.
“When our officers are taken care of and catered for, you get the best out of them,” he said.
Afolabi also pledged to uphold discipline throughout the command, saying his own conduct would set the standard for officers under his leadership.
The commissioner assured journalists in Abia of a cordial working relationship, describing the media as an important partner in crime prevention, public enlightenment and building public confidence in the police.
He promised to maintain regular engagement with journalists and encouraged them to report both the achievements and shortcomings of the command.
“I’m not saying if I’m not doing well, you should keep quiet,” he said.
Afolabi said he respected the media and considered journalists important partners in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, described Afolabi as a seasoned officer with more than three decades of policing experience.
The statement said he joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1992 and holds degrees in Botany and Peace and Security Studies.
He has served in several strategic positions, including Commissioner of Police in Ondo State and CP Admin, Training and Development at Force Headquarters, as well as senior operational and investigative roles in Delta, Katsina, Bayelsa, Anambra, Imo and Abuja.
Afolabi also has international policing experience, having served with the African Union Mission in Sudan and the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he participated in police reforms, training and peacekeeping operations.
“His professional training includes strategic and tactical leadership, internal security, low-intensity conflict and peacekeeping negotiation”, the statement said.