Delta Police Commissioner Directs DPOs, Area Commanders To Intensify Patrols Across Public Institutions
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has ordered Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the state to strengthen security around schools, correctional centres, churches and mosques amid growing concerns over insecurity in parts of the country.
The directive was issued during a strategic security meeting involving members of the command management team, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Departments within the Delta State Police Command.
Details of the meeting were contained in a statement released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe.
According to the statement, the police commissioner instructed officers to identify critical public institutions within their respective jurisdictions and ensure consistent patrols and security presence around such locations.
Oyeniyi stressed the need for proactive policing and improved surveillance to prevent criminal activities targeting vulnerable public spaces, particularly schools and places of worship.
“Area commanders and DPOs must locate schools, churches, mosques, and correctional centres in their areas and ensure that maximum security is provided, and maintain regular visits,” the commissioner said.
The directive comes amid increasing concerns over attacks on schools, worship centres and public institutions in different parts of Nigeria, including recent incidents of kidnapping and violent attacks targeting educational facilities.
Security experts have repeatedly urged law enforcement agencies to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen patrols around vulnerable locations to prevent future attacks.
The Delta police commissioner also emphasized the importance of accountability and professionalism within the force, directing supervising officers to ensure strict compliance with operational guidelines and ethical standards of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, Area Commanders and supervising officers would be held accountable for acts of misconduct, indiscipline or unprofessional behavior committed by officers under their supervision.
Oyeniyi warned that the command would not tolerate any form of misconduct capable of damaging public trust and confidence in the police institution.
He urged officers to maintain discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties across the state.
The police commissioner further directed all officers to maintain proper dress codes and ensure they displayed official name tags while on duty.
He warned that officers who violate the dress code regulations or fail to properly identify themselves while on assignment would face disciplinary sanctions.
The commissioner stated that proper identification and professional appearance were essential in strengthening public confidence and improving police-community relations.
Beyond security patrols, Oyeniyi encouraged Divisional Police Officers to strengthen collaboration with community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to promote vigilance and public awareness on security matters.
He stressed that effective policing requires active community participation and information sharing between residents and security agencies.
According to him, community engagement remains one of the most effective strategies for crime prevention and early detection of suspicious activities.
The police boss also expressed concern over the rising incidents of murder and violent disputes recorded in some parts of Delta State.
He urged officers to intensify sensitization campaigns aimed at encouraging peaceful conflict resolution among residents and discouraging acts of violence.
Oyeniyi noted that many violent crimes often stem from unresolved disputes, misunderstandings and retaliatory actions that could otherwise be peacefully managed through dialogue and mediation.
He therefore tasked officers to educate members of the public on the dangers of taking laws into their own hands.
The latest directive by the Delta State Police Command reflects ongoing efforts by security agencies to strengthen public safety and restore confidence amid growing insecurity concerns nationwide.
In recent months, several states across Nigeria have intensified security measures around schools and public institutions following reports of kidnappings, attacks on communities and threats to educational facilities.
The Federal Government and security agencies have also continued to advocate closer cooperation between local communities and law enforcement authorities as part of broader efforts to combat crime and insecurity.
Analysts believe that improved patrols, stronger community policing initiatives and increased accountability among officers could help reduce criminal activities and improve public trust in the police.
Residents of Delta State have also been encouraged to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements and cooperate with security agencies in maintaining peace and order across their communities.
The police command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring that officers under its jurisdiction operate within the principles of professionalism, accountability and service to the public.
