The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Abia State, CP Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo, has assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police in the state, promising to prioritise capacity building, mentorship and professional development among personnel of the Command.
CP Afolabi formally assumed office at the Abia State Police Command Headquarters in Umuahia on Monday, August 10, 2026, following his deployment to the state.
Speaking to journalists shortly after taking over, the new Commissioner said his administration would focus on equipping police officers with the knowledge, skills and professional orientation required to carry out their duties effectively and in accordance with the standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
He said training and mentorship would form a major part of his approach to policing in the state, stressing that officers should be given the opportunity to improve their professional conduct before disciplinary action is considered.
“It is not every case that requires dismissal. That is why I will focus more on capacity building and mentoring of our men,” CP Afolabi said.
The Commissioner, however, made it clear that his emphasis on training and mentorship should not be interpreted as tolerance for misconduct.
He warned that officers who continue to violate professional standards after receiving the necessary training and guidance would face appropriate disciplinary measures.
“But if after all these and someone is found wanting, we won’t compromise on disciplinary procedures,” he stated.
CP Afolabi also issued a strong warning against the misuse of firearms and other forms of unprofessional conduct by police personnel.
He specifically addressed situations in which officers may use firearms without proper justification, saying that influential individuals or traditional leaders would not be allowed to interfere with disciplinary procedures when an officer is found to have acted improperly.
“If you shoot a motorist with no justifiable reason and bring your traditional ruler to plead on your behalf, I won’t listen to them,” the Commissioner said.
According to him, the objective is to build a police command that is professional, disciplined, responsive and citizen-oriented, while ensuring that personnel have the capacity to effectively respond to security challenges across Abia State.
The new Commissioner was formally received by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General of Police.
CP Danladi Isa subsequently handed over the leadership of the Abia State Police Command to CP Afolabi and introduced the new Commissioner to senior officers of the Command.
The transition marks the beginning of a new administration at the Abia State Police Command, with CP Afolabi expected to unveil his operational priorities as he settles into office.
His emphasis on capacity building and mentorship is expected to place greater attention on improving the competence and conduct of officers, while his warning on discipline signals that personnel who fail to meet professional standards will be held accountable.
The new Commissioner assumes office at a time when policing and public safety remain major concerns for residents across the state. His ability to combine personnel development with effective law enforcement will be closely watched as he begins his tenure.
Source: Thepressradio.com
