The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Samuel Etaifo Erale, has set out a six-point security agenda focused on tackling kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, oil-related offences and other threats to lives, businesses and communities across the state.

Erale, who assumed duty as the 25th Commissioner of Police in the Delta State Police Command, said his administration would prioritise proactive and intelligence-led policing, community engagement and stronger collaboration with other security agencies.

In his maiden address to officers, stakeholders and residents of the state on Tuesday, the commissioner said the approach was necessary to protect Delta’s economic interests and sustain peace in the strategically important Niger Delta state.

According to him, the state’s economic potential could only be fully realised in an atmosphere of peace and stability, making effective policing essential to development.

Erale said the Command would focus on maintaining law and order, protecting lives and property, preventing and detecting crime, arresting and prosecuting offenders, and rebuilding public confidence in the police.

He outlined the six-point agenda as discipline and professionalism; community policing; inter-agency collaboration; proactive crime fighting; restoration of public confidence; and a review of existing crime-fighting strategies.

Under the first pillar, Erale pledged strict enforcement of the Police Rules and Regulations, professional ethics and Public Service Rules.

He declared zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of misconduct, stressing that police officers must operate within the law and remain accountable for their actions.

The commissioner also promised to promote professionalism and respect for human rights while recognising personnel who demonstrate integrity, dedication and commitment to duty.

“Discipline is fundamental to building an effective and respected police institution,” he said, stressing that police authority must always be matched by responsibility.

On community policing, Erale said the Command could not effectively secure Delta without the active participation of residents.

He pledged to deepen partnerships with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious institutions and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen early warning systems.

He urged residents to report suspicious activities promptly, assuring them that the police would become more accessible and responsive to the security concerns of their communities.

The commissioner also placed strong emphasis on inter-agency cooperation, promising closer operational coordination with other security agencies in the state.

He said improved intelligence sharing and joint operations would enhance the ability of security agencies to confront crimes that cross jurisdictions.

Erale identified kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery, cybercrime and oil theft among the offences that would receive heightened attention under his proactive crime-fighting strategy.

He said the Command would continually review its operational methods to keep pace with emerging forms of criminality.

The commissioner appealed to residents, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the police with credible information, stressing that security could not be achieved by law enforcement agencies alone.

He said the success of his administration would depend on both the commitment of police personnel and the willingness of residents to work with the Command.

Erale assured Deltans that the police would remain committed to protecting lives and property, maintaining peace and creating a secure environment where residents could conduct their businesses and pursue their livelihoods without fear.

He also urged officers across the state to embrace the new direction, uphold professionalism and remain committed to their constitutional responsibilities.