Asagba, New Delta Police Commissioner Forge Security Partnership For Asaba
Asagba Receives New Police Commissioner, Seeks Stronger Security Collaboration
THE Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, has pledged the full support of the Asaba Kingdom to the new Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi John Oyeniyi, as both leaders moved to strengthen collaboration against crime and emerging security threats.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the police commissioner and members of the Delta State Police Command management team to Ogwa Ukwu Ahaba, the traditional palace of the Asagba.
The meeting focused on expanding cooperation between traditional institutions and security agencies amid growing concerns over urbanisation, drug abuse, cult-related activities and land disputes.
Traditional Institutions and Community Policing
Welcoming the police chief, Asagba Azinge commended him for acknowledging the Palace’s congratulatory message following his appointment, describing the gesture as an important foundation for future collaboration.
The monarch argued that community-based security arrangements had become increasingly necessary in modern Nigeria, noting that state and community policing initiatives offered opportunities for closer engagement between residents and law enforcement agencies.
According to him, traditional institutions possess local knowledge and community networks that can complement formal policing structures in preventing crime and promoting public safety.
He also praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for encouraging broader conversations around community security and policing reforms.
Palace Highlights Existing Security Structures
The monarch used the occasion to outline several security initiatives already being implemented across Asaba Kingdom.
Among them is the Palace Anti-Crime Unit, established as a central platform for intelligence gathering and crime prevention within the community.
He also highlighted the activities of the Asaba Community Vigilante, which operates across various quarters of the kingdom and surrounding settlements.
Another initiative, the “Know Your Tenants” programme, seeks to improve resident profiling and monitor population influx into the rapidly expanding state capital.
According to the monarch, the programme is intended to reduce opportunities for criminal elements to exploit urban growth and anonymity.
Tackling Drugs, Cultism and Land Disputes
A major part of the discussions centred on social and criminal challenges confronting the community.
The Asagba referenced the Kingdom’s efforts to combat substance abuse through the Asaba Drug Rehabilitation Centre, describing it as a community-led intervention designed to address drug dependency and illicit trafficking.
He stated that several programmes had already been implemented to discourage drug abuse and rehabilitate affected individuals.
The monarch also pointed to what he described as measurable progress in curbing cult-related activities through sustained traditional and community engagement.
On land-related conflicts, he expressed concern over the growing trend of petitioning police authorities outside the state on matters arising from local land disputes.
According to him, such cases should ordinarily be handled by security institutions operating within Delta State, allowing investigations and conflict resolution processes to take place closer to affected communities.
Security Trust Fund Expands Local Capacity
As part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security, the monarch disclosed that the Asaba Community Security Trust Fund had provided vehicles and motorcycles for vigilante operations.
He further revealed that police posts currently under construction in Ikpoto and Cable satellite communities would be handed over to the Nigeria Police Force upon completion.
The projects, he said, reflected the determination of the Kingdom to support formal law enforcement structures through practical interventions and infrastructure development.
CP Oyeniyi Calls for Deeper Partnership
Responding, Commissioner Oyeniyi conveyed the goodwill of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and thanked the Palace for the warm reception.
He recalled a portion of the Asagba’s congratulatory letter in which the monarch assured him that the Palace would support his efforts in securing the state.
The police commissioner described those assurances as significant and pledged to deepen cooperation with traditional authorities.
According to him, Asaba’s rapid transformation into one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing state capitals has brought both economic opportunities and complex security challenges.
He identified illicit drug activities, cultism, violent crime and land-related disputes as key concerns requiring collective action.
Building a Common Security Front
The visit underscored the growing role of traditional institutions in modern security governance and highlighted the importance of collaboration between communities and formal law enforcement agencies.
As Delta State continues to experience urban expansion and demographic growth, both the Palace and the Police Command indicated their readiness to work together in addressing emerging threats and strengthening public confidence in local security structures.
