The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, Ajao Adewale, has assumed duty, with a warning to police personnel in the state to adopt a proactive and intelligence-driven approach in tackling crime and criminality.
Adewale, who took over from AIG Iyamah Edebor, in his maiden address to newsmen at his office, assured residents of the state of his commitment to effective policing, protection of lives and property, maintenance of law and order, and delivery of professional and responsive policing.
The new CP said he would prioritise the fight against cultism, armed robbery, maritime crimes, illegal possession of firearms, drug offences, oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism and other forms of organised criminality. Bayelsa’s predominantly riverine terrain and extensive waterways present unique security challenges that require specialised and coordinated policing strategies.
According to Adewale, the command would adopt the perception index, in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s policy direction of restoring trust between the police and the community, as part of its operational strategy. He disclosed that he had immediately directed officers and men of the command to decisively tackle pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal refining activities and other forms of economic sabotage.
Adewale stated that his administration would be intelligence-driven and proactive, with emphasis on robust community engagement, effective multi-agency collaboration and zero tolerance for crime and police misconduct. The mission of the command under his leadership would be to enhance public safety, combat crime proactively, build public trust and confidence, and promote accountability and professionalism.
He said:
The Police will strengthen intelligence gathering, crime mapping, targeted operations against cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, pirates and drug traffickers. We will also dismantle their leadership, funding and logistics networks.Given the state’s riverine nature, marine and waterways security will be prioritised through patrols, intelligence operations and collaboration with the Armed Forces and maritime stakeholders.
On community policing, Adewale stressed that effective policing could not be achieved by the police alone, noting that security remained a collective responsibility. He assured residents that the command would remain committed to protecting lives and property while working closely with stakeholders to build a safer and more secure Bayelsa State.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
