The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju Adewole, has declared that judging from his wealth of Policing experience in the state, he has what it takes to keep the state safe.
The police commissioner also pledged to make the safety, security, and well-being of citizens, residents, and visitors his top priority.
Speaking during his assumption of duty, at the Police Command on Friday, Adewole acknowledged the unique security challenges facing the State, including kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, oil bunkering, communal clashes, and violent crimes.
He noted that the state’s position as one of the nation’s economic hubs makes it vulnerable to these security threats.
He said: “Like I said before, I have been the Deputy Commissioner of Police Operations, and I have served in several capacities in this police command, I had been DPO mile one, I was commander SOS at a time, and I think I have what it takes to keep the command safe. And that is what i will do.”
To address these challenges, Adewole stated that he will strengthen intelligence gathering by collaborating with communities, traditional institutions, and security agencies to proactively prevent crimes.
He also emphasized the importance of community policing and public engagement, saying that he will work to rebuild trust between the police and the public through professionalism and respectful interactions.
The new Commissioner of Police also vowed to enforce discipline within the police ranks and hold officers accountable for misconduct, ensuring zero tolerance for corruption.
He further stated that he will intensify efforts against cult-related activities and partner with youth and civil society to promote peace.
Adewole also pledged to work with relevant agencies to dismantle criminal networks in the oil industry, combat oil theft and environmental crimes, and improve response times and maintain regular patrols in crime-prone areas.
He, however, called for support from traditional rulers, community leaders, and citizens in combating crime and addressing land-related conflicts through legal means.
In addition, Adewole warned against artificial tinted glasses and document alteration, and emphasized the importance of protecting human rights. He stated that he will strengthen the Human Rights Department and encourage citizens to report rights violations.
The new Commissioner of Police also assured the public that he will ensure professional and unbiased policing, resisting political interference, while appealing to the media to report responsibly, emphasizing the importance of their role in ensuring security.
Adewole concluded by pledging to maintain open communication with the public and provide regular updates on police activities. He expressed his commitment to working with all stakeholders to build a safer Rivers State.
I’ve What It Takes To Police Rivers State, New CP Declares is first published on The Whistler Newspaper