The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has unveiled an extensive security agenda aimed at strengthening the state’s security architecture, combating emerging crimes and rebuilding public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

He pledged to intensify ongoing operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crimes, oil-related crimes and other emerging security threats.

Erale, who assumed duty as the 25th Commissioner of Police in the Delta State Police Command, said the strategic repositioning of the Command had become necessary because of Delta State’s strategic economic importance to Nigeria and its critical position in the Niger Delta region.

According to him, the state, while offering enormous economic opportunities, also faces security challenges that require a proactive, intelligence-driven and professionally coordinated policing strategy to guarantee peace, stability and sustainable development.

In his maiden address to officers, stakeholders and residents of the state on Tuesday, the CP said his administration would focus on maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crimes, apprehending and prosecuting criminals, while strengthening public confidence in the police.

Erale said his administration would pursue a policing model anchored on discipline, community policing, inter-agency synergy, proactive crime-fighting, restoration of public confidence and a comprehensive review of existing crime-fighting methodologies.

Under his discipline agenda, the Commissioner said the Delta State Police Command would enforce strict adherence to Police Rules and Regulations, professional ethics and Public Service Rules, stressing that officers and men must operate within the ambit of the law.

He pledged to promote professionalism and respect for human rights, while declaring zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of ethical misconduct.

Erale also promised to reward police personnel who demonstrate integrity, professionalism and exceptional commitment to duty.

He said discipline would remain a fundamental requirement for building an effective and respected police institution, adding that officers must understand that their authority comes with corresponding responsibilities and accountability.

The new CP also identified community policing as a major pillar of his administration, saying the police could not effectively secure Delta State without the active participation of residents.

He said the Command would strengthen partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious institutions and other critical stakeholders.

According to him, the strategy would encourage community-based intelligence gathering and prompt reporting of suspicious activities to enable the police respond quickly to security threats.

He said the Command would also work to make the police more accessible and responsive to the peculiar security needs of individual communities across the state.

Erale said his administration would strengthen operational cooperation between the police and other security agencies operating in Delta State.