The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi, has rolled out new proactive security measures after reviewing the state’s security situation.
The move is aimed at boosting public safety, curbing crime, and maintaining peace across Delta, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who has instructed all commands to step up visible policing, rely more on intelligence-driven operations, and strengthen collaboration with communities.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, in Asaba. He explained that, in response to the directive, the Command has begun deploying a large number of personnel across all nine Area Commands, divisions, and other key locations in the state. This includes increased stop-and-search operations on major highways, entry and exit routes, and known trouble spots, alongside continuous day and night patrols and joint operations with other security agencies.
Edafe added that the Command has also refocused its operational strategy to tackle emerging threats more effectively. Priorities now include protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order, preventing unlawful gatherings, dismantling criminal networks and bandit hideouts, strengthening community-based intelligence, and carrying out sustained raids on identified black spots.
He noted that targeted operations are already underway to address kidnapping and herdsmen-related crimes in areas such as Owa-Oyibu, the Ogwashi-Uku power line axis, Okpanam, Ashaka, Ovwero in Ughelli North, Umunede, Igbodo, Idumusa, Ute, and other border communities. The goal, he said, is to flush out criminal elements, restore public confidence, and secure key routes across the state.
The statement also revealed that the Commissioner of Police has directed all Area Commanders to organize town hall meetings with stakeholders in their jurisdictions. This is intended to deepen community engagement, improve intelligence gathering, and encourage joint efforts in tackling security challenges.
Residents were urged to stay alert and report any suspicious activity through the Command’s control room and Complaint Response Unit lines, which are also available for reporting police misconduct or rights violations. Edafe assured that all reports would be handled confidentially and addressed promptly.
The Police Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and cautioned residents against spreading unverified information that could cause panic. Parents and guardians were also advised to keep a close watch on their children.
He emphasized that maintaining security is a shared responsibility and called on residents, community leaders, transport unions, and other stakeholders to work closely with the police by providing timely and credible information. Officers, he added, have been properly briefed to carry out their duties professionally, respect human rights, and maintain zero tolerance for misconduct.
