CP, Mustapha Mohammed Bala has assumed office as the new Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.
Bala at the Force headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, held a press briefing to announce his assumption.
His statement read,
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Press,
Good morning.
On behalf of the Management team, Officers and Men of the Rivers State Police Command, I heartily welcome you to this press briefing, my first official outing as Commissioner of Police, Rivers State.
I must commend the members of the press for the vital role you play in society. Your tireless efforts in providing accurate, timely, and balanced information help to shape public opinion and guide the actions of both the public and law enforcement.
I have received glowing reviews of your impressive work in covering our activities, from my predecessor, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and as we embark on this journey together, I urge you to continue to work with us, to hold us accountable, and to share with us the concerns and expectations of the public. We are committed to transparency and welcome constructive criticism. A society thrives when there is trust between its institutions and its people, and the press is key to building and maintaining that trust.
Let me, at this point, express how deeply honoured I am to stand before you today as I officially assume duty as the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State. I thank the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D, Npm and the Police Service Commission for the confidence reposed in me 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.
As I assume duty, I wish to make it abundantly clear that my priority is to ensure the safety, security, and well-being of all residents and visitors in Rivers State.
Security Challenges
I am aware that Rivers State, being one of the nation’s economic hubs, faces unique security challenges. From incidents of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and oil bunkering to communal clashes and violent crimes, and more recently crises emanating from political interests, the complexities of maintaining law and order here require a proactive and strategic approach.
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.
Key Priorities and Strategies
Upon assuming this office, I have reviewed the current security situation in the state, and I would like to outline my vision and strategies for ensuring the safety and security of our communities and people.
1. Strengthening Intelligence Gathering
Intelligence is the mainstay of effective policing. We will strengthen our intelligence units and work closely with local communities, traditional institutions, and other supportive security agencies to gather actionable intelligence. This will enable us to prevent crimes before they occur and swiftly respond to any incidents.
2. Community Policing and Public Engagement
Policing is most effective when the police have the trust and cooperation of the people they serve. I will emphasise on building stronger ties between the police and the various communities across the state. We will work to regain public trust by ensuring our officers are approachable, professional, and respectful in their interactions. We are your police, and we are here to serve you.
3. Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Unprofessional Conduct
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. Our internal monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure discipline within the ranks.
4. Tackling Cultism and Youth Violence:
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 organizations to promote peace, education, and alternative livelihoods for the youths.
5. Combating Oil Theft and Environmental Crimes:
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.
6. Enhancing Response Time and Visibility:
We 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 as needed.
Collaboration with Stakeholders
No police force can operate effectively in isolation. I therefore call on the people of Rivers State—traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, the media, religious organizations, and every law-abiding citizen—to cooperate with the police in our efforts to rid the state of crime and violence. Security is a collective responsibility, and I am confident that, working together, we can create a safer and more secure Rivers State.
Appeal to the Media
On a closing note, I want to state that the media is not only a mirror reflecting the reality of our society but also a bridge between the people and institutions like the police force. Without your valuable contributions, it would be impossible for us to reach the people effectively.
So, I will make a special appeal to the media. You are my key partners in our quest to secure the state. I urge you to report accurately, objectively, and responsibly. Sensationalism or the spread of unverified information only serves to heighten fear and tension. My office is always open for clarification, and we will ensure regular updates on our activities.
Conclusion
As I begin this journey as your Commissioner of Police, I pledge to lead with integrity, transparency, and a profound sense of duty. My team and I are here to serve, and with your support, we can build a Rivers State where peace, security, and development thrive.
Thank you for your time and attention. I look forward to a productive partnership with you all.
May God bless Rivers State, and may God bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you &
Remain Blessed
