The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Aina Adesola, has formally assumed duty as the 23rd Commissioner of Police of the Delta State Command.
Speaking at his inaugural press briefing in Asaba on Monday, the CP pledged to strengthen security, deepen community engagement and enforce discipline within the Force.
The CP expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the confidence reposed in him, assuring the Force leadership and residents of Delta State of his total commitment to duty.
Delta State, he noted, occupies a special place in his policing career, recalling that he began his service in the Nigeria Police Force in the state after graduating from the Police Academy and later served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations.
“Returning to serve as Commissioner of Police is therefore both a professional responsibility and a personal commitment to the peace and security of this State,” Adesola stated.
He also paid tribute to his predecessor, AIG Olufemi Abaniwonda, commending his leadership and the institutional structures he left behind.
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“He leaves behind operational foundations upon which we shall continue to build. I commend his efforts and wish him continued success in his future assignments,” he said.
Adesola said the mandate given to him by the Inspector-General of Police was clear, to strengthen security, reduce crime to the barest minimum and ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
He described Delta State as a key economic hub, stressing that development cannot thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity.
“No society or economy can thrive in an atmosphere of insecurity. It is therefore our responsibility to protect lives, property and legitimate economic activities across the State,” he said.
According to him, the Command under his leadership will adopt a professional, intelligence-driven and people-centred policing strategy, with emphasis on proactive crime prevention, intelligence-led operations, community policing, respect for human rights and strict adherence to the rule of law.
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He said the Command would work closely with sister security agencies, the Delta State Government, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to tackle crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and communal conflicts.
Adesola also acknowledged the support of the Delta State Government and appealed for sustained cooperation in the interest of peace, stability and development.
Emphasising that security is a collective responsibility, the CP urged residents to support the Police with credible and timely information.
“If you see something, say something, responsibly and through appropriate channels,” he appealed.
He described the media as a critical partner in policing, urging journalists to remain professional and objective in reporting security issues, noting that responsible reporting helps to build public trust and support security initiatives.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, Adesola assured them of purposeful and fair leadership but warned that misconduct would not be tolerated.
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“I expect discipline, professionalism, loyalty to duty and respect for the uniform at all times. Acts of incivility, abuse of office, extortion or violation of human rights will not be tolerated under my leadership,” he warned.
The Commissioner reaffirmed his commitment to accountability and service, expressing optimism that with the support of the Inspector-General of Police, sister security agencies and the people of Delta State, the Command would achieve a safer and more peaceful state.
“With collective effort and cooperation, we shall continue to work towards a safer, more secure and peaceful Delta State,” he said.