The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South East Zone, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening security operations, improving officers’ welfare, and deploying modern technology to combat crime across the country.
The DIG made this known on Monday during an operational assessment visit to the Abia State Police Command in Umuahia, as part of ongoing strategic inspections of police formations across the South-East geopolitical zone.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, DIG Onwuemelie emphasized that the visit was not merely ceremonial but aimed at evaluating operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership accountability, and ensuring that the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, is effectively implemented across commands.
He commended the Abia State Police Command for maintaining relative peace and stability in the state in recent weeks, noting that available security reports reflected significant efforts by officers in safeguarding lives and property.
While acknowledging the progress recorded, the DIG stressed that emerging security concerns must not be ignored. He specifically referenced incidents of violent attacks and armed robbery in parts of Aba, urging officers to adopt proactive measures to prevent criminal activities from escalating.
On the issue of insecurity in Umuahia and other parts of the state, the senior police officer observed that many incidents commonly described as cult-related activities are, in reality, manifestations of organized youth gang violence. He called for intelligence-driven policing approaches aimed at identifying, dismantling, and prosecuting criminal gangs responsible for violence and intimidation within communities.
DIG Onwuemelie further underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration between the Police and critical stakeholders, including educational institutions, community leaders, and security partners. He expressed concern over emerging security threats within university environments and stressed the need for early intervention mechanisms.
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The Deputy Inspector-General also used the occasion to reassure officers of the Inspector-General’s commitment to their welfare. According to him, ongoing efforts are being made to address issues relating to promotions, housing schemes, and pension reforms designed to improve the well-being of serving and retired personnel.
Speaking on the ongoing national discourse surrounding State Policing, he assured officers that the interests and welfare of personnel would remain protected regardless of future policy developments.
In a major development, the DIG disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force is preparing to integrate modern technologies into its operations, including the deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to support criminal investigations and intelligence gathering. He added that specialized training programmes would be organized for officers across state commands and other police formations to equip them with the skills required for modern policing.
The visit is seen as part of broader efforts by the Nigeria Police Force to enhance operational effectiveness, deepen public confidence, and strengthen security architecture across the South-East region.
The event was attended by senior officers of the Abia State Police Command and other stakeholders within the security sector.
DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, Police Public Relations Officer, Abia State Command, stated that the Command remains committed to implementing the directives of the Inspector-General of Police while sustaining efforts aimed at ensuring peace, law, and order throughout the state.
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