The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has declared that the state will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements, promising to strengthen intelligence-led policing and safeguard the lives and property of residents.

Afolabi made the declaration on Tuesday during his maiden briefing with senior officers of the command, where he warned personnel against extortion and other forms of misconduct.

Addressing the officers, the CP said he assumed duty in Abia with “a singular focus: to serve with integrity, enforce the law without fear or favour, and safeguard the lives and property of every resident.”

He said his administration would focus on implementing the strategic re-engineering agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

“My mission is to effectively drive, implement, and practicalise the ongoing strategic re-engineering agenda of the Inspector-General of Police. The IGP’s vision remains our operational roadmap,” Afolabi said.

The commissioner warned officers against extortion, corruption and other actions capable of damaging the reputation of the command, stressing that accountability and professionalism would remain non-negotiable.

He also reaffirmed that intelligence-led policing would form the foundation of the command’s crime-fighting strategy.

To achieve this, Afolabi directed sustained training and retraining of personnel in intelligence gathering, investigations, crime mapping and prevention, human rights, electoral laws and emotional intelligence.

He further emphasised continuous professional development and mentoring to ensure officers were properly equipped to deliver effective and professional services.

On community relations, the CP urged officers to strengthen cooperation with community leaders, stakeholders and sister security agencies, noting that public trust was essential to improving security.

“While officers are expected to be professional and civil in their conduct, such disposition must not be misconstrued as weakness. Officers must remain firm, disciplined, and courageous in the lawful execution of their duties,” he said.

Afolabi also directed strict enforcement of traffic laws across the state, with traffic officers expected to lead the exercise in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure compliance and the smooth movement of vehicles.

The commissioner commended Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, for his efforts towards advancing development and security in the state and reaffirmed the command’s readiness to collaborate with other security agencies.

In his closing remarks, Afolabi declared that “Abia State will not serve as a safe haven for criminal elements,” assuring residents that the command would intensify intelligence-driven policing to combat crime and strengthen public confidence in the police.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the meeting was attended by area commanders, divisional police officers, heads of departments and commanders of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU).