The new Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Wilfred Afolabi, has assumed duty as the 35th police commissioner in the state, outlining his priorities for the command and warning officers against indiscipline and unprofessional conduct.

Afolabi took over from Danladi Isa, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.

Speaking shortly after assuming office on Monday, the new CP said his administration would align with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, particularly in strengthening existing security structures and improving discipline within the force.

“What the IGP has come up with as his agenda is what I will try to replicate here. It is deepening security structures—already existing security structures on the ground,” Afolabi said.

He listed intelligence re-engineering, stronger intelligence networks, improved police-public relations, capacity building, crime mapping and prevention, officers’ welfare and discipline among his priorities.

He also mentioned compact training programmes, including endurance trekking for police personnel, as part of efforts to improve the effectiveness and preparedness of officers.

The new commissioner said the command would assess its level of preparedness ahead of forthcoming elections and review its existing crime prevention strategies.

“We will look at our state of preparedness now that the election is forthcoming. Also, there is a new crime prevention strategy to try to look at and try to see how we can reorganise or add to the existing crime prevention strategies on the ground,” he said.

On discipline, Afolabi said capacity building would receive significant attention to ensure officers understood the ethical and professional standards expected of them.

“Yes, there are different approaches. And that is the reason why I’m going to give capacity building so much priority. So, part of the measures I intend to adopt is capacity building. Let our officers know what is right, what is ethical, the right way of carrying out your responsibility, enhancing professionalism,” he said.

The CP, however, warned that officers who deliberately violate professional standards after receiving the necessary training would face disciplinary measures.

“Now, if after investing millions in training you, you still decide to become a deviant, you may rest assured that we are not going to treat your matter with kid gloves. We have disciplinary processes. If you take its full course,” he said.

Afolabi added that mentoring would also be used to correct misconduct, noting that not every offence should automatically result in dismissal.

“Now, there is also the aspect of mentoring. You will mentor them. It is not every offence that will lead to dismissal,” he said.

He, however, drew a distinction between mistakes that could be corrected through mentoring and serious misconduct that could render an officer unfit to remain in the force.

“There are some you mentor them to do the right thing, but the gospel truth is that you cannot go and shoot a motorist along the highway now for no justifiable reason and expect that you bring your king or your religious leader to come and beg me and I will listen to them and I will not forgive you,” Afolabi said.

“As far as I am concerned, you are not fit to be in the force and the right thing will be done. But, like others, maybe you didn’t do your job in a professional manner. It is my responsibility to teach you to do the job in a professional manner,” he added.