ASABA/Nigeria: The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has begun a familiarisation tour of police formations and engagements with community stakeholders, with emphasis on intelligence-led policing, respect for human rights and collaboration in tackling crime.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, following the commissioner’s assumption of office as the state’s 25th police commissioner.
As part of the engagements, Erale paid a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, where discussions centred on security concerns, including cultism, drug abuse and land disputes.
The commissioner also visited the Asaba Area Command, where he interacted with officers and men, stressing the need for discipline, professional conduct and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
During the engagements, Erale urged residents to provide credible and timely information that could assist the police in preventing crime, identifying security threats and improving public safety.
He assured members of the public that information received would be properly assessed and acted upon, but cautioned against deliberately supplying false or malicious reports intended to implicate innocent people.
According to the police, individuals who knowingly provide false information for malicious purposes could face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The commissioner also expressed concern about drug abuse among young people, describing the trend as a threat to the nation’s future workforce. He called for collective action by families, communities and relevant stakeholders to address the problem.
On the conduct of police personnel, Erale reaffirmed that no officer, irrespective of rank, was authorised to violate the fundamental rights of citizens. He added that police officers were also entitled to the protection of their lawful rights.
He further cautioned residents against taking the law into their own hands, warning that jungle justice undermines lawful processes and could expose innocent people to harm.
The commissioner also directed vigilante groups to refrain from operating illegal detention facilities and ensure that arrested suspects were promptly handed over to the nearest police station for appropriate legal procedures.
Erale charged officers across the command to strengthen intelligence gathering, maintain discipline and uphold accountability, while treating members of the public with dignity and respect.
He assured residents that the command remained committed to protecting lives and property, safeguarding fundamental human rights and delivering professional, responsive and people-oriented policing throughout Delta State.
The familiarisation tour forms part of the commissioner’s initial engagements with police personnel and community leaders as the command seeks to strengthen cooperation in addressing security challenges across the state.
