From Monday Ochuko – Asaba

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has called on Local Government Chairmen across Delta State to take greater ownership of security challenges within their respective domains through enhanced intelligence gathering, community engagement, youth development initiatives, and stronger collaboration with security agencies.

The Commissioner made the call today, Thursday, 4 June 2026, during a strategic engagement with members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Delta State Chapter, held under the theme “Rural Policing: The Role of Local Administrators.” The meeting was attended by the 25 Local Government Chairmen in Delta State, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ekemejero Ohwovoriole, SAN, the Director-General, Security Matters, Hon. David Tonwe, and other Senior Government officials.

The Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, also made a brief appearance at the meeting and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting collaborative efforts aimed at strengthening security and development across the State.

Speaking during the engagement, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, noted that while the security situation in the State remains relatively stable, crime analysis indicates that many violent crimes, including kidnapping, cult-related violence, communal conflicts, murder, and land-related disputes, are more prevalent in rural, riverine, and suburban communities where criminal elements exploit difficult terrain, inadequate local intelligence, youth unemployment, and weak stakeholder collaboration. He further identified illicit drug abuse, cultism, and internet fraud as major drivers of violent crime across the State and called for a coordinated response to address the root causes of insecurity at the grassroots.

The Police Commissioner stated that although the Command has continued to intensify intelligence-led policing, visibility patrols, tactical deployments, stop-and-search operations, and other proactive measures to combat crime, sustainable security cannot be achieved by the Police alone. He emphasised that Local Government Councils, being the closest tier of government to the people, occupy a strategic position in identifying emerging threats, supporting intelligence gathering, mobilising community participation, and promoting proactive security interventions. He therefore advocated regular security engagements involving Divisional Police Officers, traditional rulers, youth and religious leaders, the establishment of local security structures, proper regulation of vigilante groups, sustained youth empowerment programmes, stronger action against illicit drug trafficking and abuse, and increased support for community policing initiatives across the State.

The meeting featured an interactive session during which all the Local Government Chairmen made contributions, highlighting the peculiar security challenges within their respective areas and the measures being implemented by their councils to address them.

The Chairmen also exchanged ideas on strengthening collaboration with security agencies, improving intelligence sharing, and enhancing community participation in crime prevention efforts.

The local government chairmen of the twenty-five local government areas of Delta State all commended the Commissioner of Police for convening the engagement and creating a platform for constructive dialogue on grassroots security. They reaffirmed the commitment of Local Government Councils to working closely with the Police and other stakeholders in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the State.

In his closing remarks, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed that the Department of Operations and other relevant units of the Command have been directed to maintain renewed collaboration and regular engagement with Local Government Council Chairmen across the State. He further revealed that tactical teams have been strategically distributed across all twenty-five Local Government Areas to enhance operational efficiency, improve visibility policing, and ensure prompt response to security threats.

The Commissioner also emphasised the need for improved security around schools, churches, mosques, and other critical public facilities. He further encouraged them to maintain close communication with security agencies and ensure that emergency contact numbers are readily available for distress calls and prompt intervention whenever necessary.

Spokesman for the Command SP Bright Edafe confirmed the story.

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