By Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting
THE newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, has formally assumed duty as the 23rd Commissioner of Police of the Delta State Police Command, pledging to strengthen security, deepen community policing, and reduce crime to the barest minimum across the state.
Speaking during a press briefing in Asaba on Monday, CP Adesola described his appointment as both an honour and a call to service, expressing gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, for the confidence reposed in him.
He assured the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and residents of Delta State of his total commitment to professionalism, fairness, and accountability.
The Commissioner noted that Delta State holds personal and professional significance for him, having begun his policing career in the state after graduating from the Nigeria Police Academy.
He previously served as Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Delta, a role he said equipped him with first-hand knowledge of the state’s security challenges and dynamics.
CP Adesola paid tribute to his predecessor, Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, who has been transferred to the Force Headquarters, Abuja, as AIG in the Department of Operations.
He commended Abaniwonda’s leadership and pledged to build on the institutional and operational foundations already laid.
Outlining his mandate, CP Adesola emphasised that security remains central to economic growth and social stability, describing Delta State as a key economic hub that must be protected from criminal disruptions.
He said the Command under his leadership would adopt an intelligence-driven, people-centred, and proactive policing strategy, with strict adherence to the rule of law and respect for human rights.
According to him, priority will be given to tackling crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and communal conflicts, in collaboration with sister security agencies, the Delta State Government, traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
He also called on residents to see security as a collective responsibility, urging them to support the Police with timely and credible information. CP Adesola stressed the role of the media as a critical partner in shaping public trust and supporting security initiatives through responsible and objective reportage.
Addressing officers and men of the Command, the Commissioner warned that misconduct, extortion, abuse of office, and human rights violations would not be tolerated, assuring personnel of purposeful leadership and fair command.
In a separate statement, the Delta State Police Command disclosed that CP Adesola, born on 2 September 1968 and a native of Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State, holds a degree in Sociology from Ondo State University and was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force in 1994.
He has served in various operational, administrative, investigative, and training capacities across several states and formations, including Edo, Lagos, Abia, Rivers, Ondo, and the Force Headquarters.
The Commissioner has also attended several leadership and specialised courses within and outside Nigeria and is widely regarded as a disciplined, people-oriented officer with a strong commitment to community-based policing.
While handing over, AIG Olufemi Abaniwonda thanked the Delta State Government and residents for their cooperation during his tenure and urged them to extend the same support to his successor.
CP Adesola reaffirmed his resolve to make Delta State increasingly hostile to criminal elements, assuring residents that the Police Command would remain firm, professional, and proactive in safeguarding lives and property.
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