By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command turned out in force on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, as officers swapped patrol vehicles for marching boots in a walkathon designed to bridge the gap between the force and the communities it serves.
The event, held as part of the 2026 National Police Week celebrations, saw personnel march through the heart of Asaba in a display of physical readiness and a reaffirmation of their commitment to public safety.
Setting off from the Delta Command Police Headquarters on Okpanam Road, the officers proceeded to the Stephen Keshi Stadium and back, covering a distance of roughly 3.2 kilometres. The exercise was mirrored simultaneously across the state’s nine Area Commands, ensuring a uniform message of accessibility and vigilance.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, who led the exercise, framed the walkathon as a deliberate strategy to embed the principle of community-oriented policing. Speaking on the theme of this year’s celebrations, “Community Partnership: Building Trust,” he emphasised that the initiative was designed to reassure residents that the police are not only visible but also approachable and responsive.
“This exercise reaffirms our visible presence within communities and assures residents that the Police are accessible, responsive, and actively engaged in ensuring public safety,” CP Oyeniyi stated.
He further encouraged members of the public to view the force as partners rather than adversaries, urging residents to come forward with complaints and concerns. The Commissioner assured that his command remains “willing, capable, and ready to address such issues professionally and promptly.”
The walkathon was well-received by onlookers along the route, with many commending the command’s efforts to foster a more collaborative security environment in the state.
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