Omiete Joseph
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Mr Mustapha Bala, said his priority is to restore calm and peace in the state, just as he warned criminal elements to turn a new leaf or relocate from the state.
Bala disclosed that he has reviewed the current security situation in the state, saying that he has outlined his vision and strategies for ensuring the safety and security of the communities and people.
The police boss said “My priority task is to swiftly restore calm in the respective Local Government Areas where pockets of violence and arson attacks have been present, and my commitment is to work collaboratively with the state and non -state actors as well as all critical stakeholders to address these challenges head-on”.
Bala who spoke in a median briefing with journalists in Port Harcourt, assured that he will work to regain public trust by ensuring his officers are approachable, professional, and respectful in their interactions. “We are your police, and we are here to
“In my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or abuse of power by police officers. Those found engaging in unprofessional behaviour will face the full wrath of the law. We are here to uphold justice, not to be agents of oppression.
“Rivers State has been plagued by issues of cultism, which often lead to violent clashes and needless loss of lives, we will intensify our efforts in curbing cult-related activities and work with youth groups, religious bodies, and civil society organisations to promote peace, education, and alternative livelihoods for the youths”, Mustapha added.
On combating oil theft and environmental crimes, the CP the command will collaborate with sisters agencies to dismantle the perpetrators of the economy sabotage.
“Rivers State is a key player in Nigeria’s oil industry, but the illegal activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals continue to undermine our economy and damage the environment.
“The command will collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, Army, Department of State Services (DSS), NSCDC and other relevant agencies to dismantle the networks responsible for these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice”.
He promised that the command “will improve our response time to distress calls and ensure increased police visibility, especially in crime-prone areas. Patrols will be regular, and special tactical teams will be deployed to critical areas.
Bala called on the people of Rivers State; traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, the media, religious organisations, and every law-abiding citizen to cooperate with the police in their efforts to rid the state of crime and violence, saying “Security is a collective responsibility, and I am confident that, working together, we can create a safer and more secure Rivers State”.
He however, thanked the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for the confidence reposed in him “to lead this critical command. It is with a sense of duty and responsibility that I take on this new role, knowing the unique challenges and security concerns that Rivers State faces”.