The newly deployed Delta State Commissioner of Police, Samuel Etaifo Erale, has vowed to intensify the fight against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, oil-related offences and other criminal activities across the state.

Erale made the declaration on Tuesday during his inaugural press briefing in Asaba, shortly after assuming duty as the 25th Commissioner of Police in the state.

He said the protection of lives and property would remain the command’s priority, assuring residents and visitors that his administration would work within the law to make Delta safer.

The commissioner said his administration would focus on discipline, community policing, stronger cooperation with other security agencies, crime fighting and rebuilding public confidence.

He declared zero tolerance for corruption, extortion and other forms of police misconduct, while promising to reward officers who demonstrate integrity and exceptional commitment to duty.

Erale said the command would strengthen its relationship with traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups, religious bodies and other stakeholders.

He urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious activities, stressing that effective policing required public cooperation.

The CP also pledged stronger collaboration with other security agencies through joint operations, intelligence sharing, coordinated patrols and rapid response to emerging threats.

On crime fighting, Erale said personnel and resources would be deployed according to crime trends and identified hotspots across the state.

He said the command would intensify operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, cybercrime, violent crime, oil-related offences and other emerging security threats.

The commissioner also promised to improve police visibility and responsiveness while ensuring that members of the public were treated fairly and with dignity.

He said the command would shift from largely reactive policing to a proactive system driven by intelligence, technology and data analysis.

Erale said measurable performance indicators would be introduced for tactical teams, while regular training would be provided to officers to improve their ability to respond to changing crime patterns.

He acknowledged the efforts of his predecessor, CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, and pledged to build on the gains recorded under the previous administration.

The commissioner urged Deltans to support the police by providing useful information on criminal activities, saying, “If you see something, say something.”