The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi has pledged to strengthen intelligence-led and community policing while declaring zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct within the Command.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement following Afolabi’s maiden briefing with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), heads of departments and commanders of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).

Afolabi told the officers that he assumed duty in Abia with a clear mandate to serve with integrity, enforce the law without fear or favour, and protect the lives and property of residents.

“I have come to Abia State with a singular focus: to serve with integrity, enforce the law without fear or favour, and safeguard the lives and property of every resident,” Chinaka quoted him as saying.

The commissioner said his administration would align its operations with the strategic re-engineering agenda of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), with professionalism, accountability and responsiveness forming the core of policing in the state.

He warned officers against extortion, corruption and any conduct capable of tarnishing the image of the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that such behaviour would not be tolerated under his leadership.

Afolabi identified intelligence-led policing as the cornerstone of his operational strategy and directed officers to strengthen their capacity in intelligence gathering, investigation, crime mapping and prevention.

He also stressed the need for officers to understand the crime geography of Abia State, as well as human rights, electoral laws and emotional intelligence.

According to the statement, the CP said continuous training and retraining would be prioritised to ensure that personnel were properly equipped and mentored to perform their duties professionally.

He also emphasised the importance of community partnership in combating crime, urging officers to strengthen collaboration with residents, community leaders, stakeholders and other security agencies.

Afolabi said effective policing could not be achieved by the police alone, noting that stronger partnerships would improve intelligence gathering, enhance security and build public confidence.

The commissioner, however, cautioned officers against mistaking professionalism and civility for weakness.

He directed them to remain firm, disciplined and courageous while carrying out their lawful responsibilities.

He also ordered strict enforcement of traffic regulations across the state, directing traffic officers to coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure compliance and ease congestion.

Afolabi commended the Abia State Government for its efforts to improve development and security, while reaffirming the Command’s readiness to sustain collaboration with sister security agencies.

The CP assured residents that the police would intensify operations against criminal elements and would not allow Abia State to become a safe haven for criminals.

He said the Command would pursue intelligence-driven and professional policing aimed at reducing crime, strengthening public confidence and ensuring the safety and security of residents across the state.