New Abia CP Afolabi Assumes Duty, Prioritises Intelligence-Led Policing, Discipline, Community Partnership | VIDEO

…Warns officers against unlawful use of force, promises media-friendly administration

The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo, has formally assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state, pledging to strengthen intelligence gathering, community policing, personnel development and discipline across the Command.

CP Afolabi assumed office at the Abia State Police Command Headquarters in Umuahia on Monday, August 10, 2026, following a formal handover by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG).

During the handover, AIG Isa formally transferred leadership of the Command to CP Afolabi and introduced him to senior officers before the new Commissioner held his maiden interaction with journalists.

Outlining his priorities, CP Afolabi said intelligence-led policing would occupy a central position in his administration, noting that his professional background in intelligence would be brought to bear in tackling security challenges across the state.

«“Because of my intelligence background, intelligence is really going to be given much priority. We are not going to pay lip service to it. We are going to make sure that intelligence structures are re-engineered and our intelligence network enhanced,” he said.»

The Commissioner said his administration would also deepen police-community relations through sustained engagement with traditional rulers, youth leaders, religious leaders, school proprietors, business owners and other critical stakeholders.

According to him, building mutual trust between the Police and communities is essential to encouraging residents to voluntarily provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing and solving crimes.

“When there is mutual trust, there will be free flow of information. They will feel free to share information with us,” CP Afolabi stated.

On discipline and professionalism, the new Police Commissioner said his leadership would place strong emphasis on capacity building and mentorship rather than relying solely on punitive measures whenever officers make professional mistakes.

He said personnel would undergo training and retraining in areas including emotional intelligence, human rights, crime mapping, investigation and electoral laws.

“It is not every case that requires dismissal. That is why I will focus more on capacity building and mentoring of our men,” he said.

With the 2027 general elections approaching, CP Afolabi said officers would be adequately educated on electoral laws and prepared through training and operational exercises to ensure professional conduct during the electoral process.

“Now that the general election is just by the corner, our men need to be lectured on the Electoral Act, so that they will know their left from their right,” he said.

The Commissioner, however, made it clear that mentorship and training would not provide protection for officers who deliberately engage in serious misconduct or repeatedly violate established professional standards.

“If after investing millions in training you, you still decide to become a deviant, be rest assured that we are not going to treat your matter with kid gloves,” he warned.

CP Afolabi particularly cautioned personnel against unjustified use of force, declaring that intervention by traditional rulers, religious leaders or other influential persons would not prevent appropriate disciplinary procedures in cases of serious wrongdoing.

“You cannot go and shoot a motorist along the highway, 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 forgive you. I will not forgive you,” he declared.

He maintained that while deliberate violations would attract sanctions, officers who commit less serious professional lapses could be corrected through mentorship and further training.

“It’s my responsibility to teach you to do the job in the professional manner,” he added.

The Commissioner also identified the welfare of police personnel as an important component of his security strategy, stressing that officers who are properly motivated and cared for are better positioned to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

He said his administration would work towards building a professional, disciplined, responsive and citizen-oriented Police Command capable of confronting emerging security challenges while respecting the rights of residents.

Responding to questions on his relationship with journalists, CP Afolabi assured media practitioners in Abia State of an open and cordial working relationship, describing journalists as important partners in crime prevention and public enlightenment.

“I have a very good working relationship with the media. I respect them, and I acknowledge them as partners in the war against crime,” he said.

He pledged regular engagement with journalists and cooperation in making relevant information available to the public, stressing the importance of the media in promoting security awareness and strengthening public confidence in the Police.

CP Afolabi said his administration would ultimately anchor its policing strategy on intelligence gathering, community engagement, capacity building, personnel welfare, professionalism and discipline, while consolidating existing security structures in Abia State.