The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to address major security challenges in the state, including cultism, armed robbery, and communal violence.
Speaking during his inaugural press briefing in Port Harcourt on Friday, Adepoju stressed the importance of a proactive and collaborative approach to maintaining peace in a state often marked by political tensions and complex security issues.
“We are committed to strengthening intelligence gathering and collaborating with communities, traditional leaders, and other security agencies to prevent crimes before they occur,” Adepoju stated.
The commissioner outlined his priorities, which include enhancing emergency response, increasing police visibility, and fostering public trust through professionalism.
He emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for corruption and assured the public of holding officers accountable for misconduct.
“Under my leadership, we will have no room for corruption. Discipline will be enforced within the ranks, and officers will be held responsible for their actions,” he said.
Adepoju also addressed the growing concerns around cult-related activities and youth restiveness, pledging to intensify efforts to curb these issues through partnerships with youth groups and civil society organizations.
“Our focus is on reducing cultism and youth violence while promoting peace through dialogue and engagement,” he added.
The commissioner highlighted plans to combat oil theft and environmental crimes, vowing to dismantle criminal networks operating in the oil sector in collaboration with relevant agencies.
“Our fight against oil bunkering and environmental degradation will be relentless as we aim to protect the state’s resources and ecosystem,” Adepoju affirmed.
He called on all stakeholders to support the police command’s efforts, stating, “Together, we can build a safer Rivers State through collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to security.”
