New Delta CP Erale Unveils Fresh Plan to Tackle Crime

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, has unveiled his security agenda, promising intelligence-led policing, stronger community engagement and tougher action against crime across the state.

Erale, the 25th Commissioner of Police to lead the Delta State Command, announced his priorities on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, during his inaugural address at the Command headquarters in Asaba.

He said protecting lives and property would remain his top priority, noting that Delta’s strategic importance to the Niger Delta made effective security essential to the state’s development and stability.

Erale said the Command would intensify operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crime, oil-related offences and other emerging threats. Personnel and resources, he added, would be deployed based on crime trends and identified hotspots.

The new CP also pledged to strengthen community policing by working with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth and women’s groups, religious bodies and other stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and early reporting of suspicious activities.

He promised stronger cooperation with other security agencies through joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid response to threats.

Erale also prioritised discipline and professionalism within the Command, declaring zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and ethical misconduct while promising greater respect for human rights and improved response to public complaints.

Describing his approach as “Rebooting Crime Fighting Methodology,” he said the Command would review its existing strategies and adopt more proactive, technology-enabled policing. Tactical teams would also be given measurable performance targets, supported by data analysis, intelligence assessment and regular training.

Acknowledging the efforts of his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, Erale said he would build on existing gains while confronting emerging security challenges.

“We will build forward, not backwards, consolidating gains while confronting emerging threats with renewed energy and clarity,” he said.

The Commissioner urged Deltans to support the police by providing timely and credible information on criminal activities.

“If you see something, say something,” he said, while also promising to maintain a professional working relationship with the media.