New AIG resumes at Zone 16, promises community policing

• IGP deploys new CP to Bayelsa
Newly deployed Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), in-charge of Zone 16 Command, Don Awunah, yesterday, assumed duties, with a pledge to introduce a new dimension, especially community approach in policing the Zone.

Awunah assured the people of the zone, which comprise Rivers and Bayelsa States, that they were going to witness a new dimension in policing that will anchor on community policing, community engagement and partnership driven by the people.

The new AIG is the second person handling the zone, after the retirement of AIG Austin Agbonlahor, and he has served as a Commissioner of police in Bayelsa, before his elevation.

He said that the zone would play a major role in supervision and guidance, and support the command not to take over their job.

“The job of policing is one, so our structure is to support all other structures to serve the people better. We must create partnerships and engage the people in solving problems, because the police cannot do it alone, but with the support of the people, the police can serve better.

“So, our policing is centred on the people. That is the IGP’s message and objective which I am here to strive on,” he said.

Awunah stressed that Nigerians should work together to combat crime and criminality, because no particular people could resolve the issue of crime alone anywhere in the world.

BESIDES, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Usman Alkali Baba has approved the posting of a new Commissioner of Police (CP), Ben Nebolisa Okolo, to Bayelsa State.

Okolo, who takes over from CP Echeng E. Echeng earlier redeployed to Anambra Police Command and fellow, the National Defence College (FDC), hails from Onitsha in Anambra State.

Force Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), Frank Mba, said: “The IGP has charged Okolo to bring his experience to bear to boost the gains in crime prevention and public safety in Bayelsa State.”

“The IGP equally enjoined Bayelsa people to support the new CP to enable him succeed in his assignment, especially since his deployment is with immediate effect.”