Delta CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Illegal Phone Searches — Reaffirms Commitment to Professional Policing

By Diafa Doubra,

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has issued a strong warning to officers and men of the Command against acts of extortion, unlawful detention, and the illegal searching of mobile phones.

The CP gave the warning on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, during a strategic conference held with Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Commanders at the Police Officers’ Mess, Police Headquarters, Asaba.

The meeting, which was aligned with the recent directives of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, focused on strengthening professionalism, intelligence-led policing, and respect for human rights across all operational units in the state.

While addressing the officers, CP Abaniwonda set a firm tone for the next phase of policing activities in Delta State, emphasizing discipline, accountability, and citizen-friendly law enforcement. He noted that the era of officers engaging in extortion or harassing residents under the guise of routine checks is over.

“Let me be clear — extortion in any form will not be tolerated under my watch,” the CP warned. “Officers have no right to stop citizens randomly and search their mobile phones. Such embarrassing acts dent the image of the Force and will attract severe disciplinary actions.”

He further directed all senior officers to intensify pre-deployment briefings and ensure proper debriefing after each operation, noting that this would enhance operational discipline and reduce cases of misconduct.

The police boss also tasked tactical units to focus on intelligence gathering and to concentrate operations on identified black spots, kidnapping routes, and robbery-prone areas. He emphasized the need for continuous collaboration with sister security agencies and community leaders to improve inter-agency synergy and public trust.

CP Abaniwonda assured Delta residents that the Command has put in place a robust security structure to ensure safety throughout the ember months and the upcoming festive season. He urged the public to remain vigilant and to promptly report any suspicious activities or incidents to the police.

“Security is everyone’s business,” he said. “We will continue to do our part to protect lives and property, but we also call on residents to support us with credible information to help us respond swiftly and effectively.”

Residents are encouraged to contact the Delta State Police Command through its distress line: 08036684974 for prompt assistance.

The statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, who reiterated the CP’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, accountable, and community-driven policing system in Delta State.