The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim K. Idris, at the weekend, conducted on-the-spot assessment and evaluation of security situation in some flash points in the creeks of Delta State.
The state and indeed, some riverine communities in the oil-rich Niger Delta have recently witnessed renewed militancy occasioned by pipeline and oil installations vandalization, thereby, leading to tension build-up in the region.
In a move that will go a long way to de-escalate the rising tension and build trust with host communities, Mr. Idris said that one of the strategies he would deploy to tackle crimes in the country will be the formation of Eminent Persons Forum in collaboration with State Governments and various communities.
According to him, The Eminent Persons Forum will be engaged in conflict resolution arbitration.
The Acting IGP made the disclosure during a courtesy call on the Governor of Delta State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa.
In his remarks, Governor Okowa congratulated Idris on his well-deserved appointment and promised to cooperate and assist the Acting IGP in the task of crime management.
Mr. Idris, who was accompanied on the visit by the Commissioner of Police in charge Police Mobile Force, Commissioner of Police in charge Border Patrol, Heads of Operational and Tactical Teams as well as the Commissioner of Police, Delta State conducted aerial surveillance/patrol of some riverine communities, which include Ugborodo, Madawo, Oparaza and Camp Five.
The police chief later held an interactive session with elders, youths and members of Ugborodo and Oparaza communities, admonishing them to be law abiding and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by exposing criminal elements in their communities.
He assured the communities that the Police under his leadership will engage every community in accordance with international core values of policing with integrity, respect diversity, operate within the principles of democratic policing and cultivate the culture of professionalism.
In their separate responses, the community leaders assured Idris of their unalloyed support, cooperation and active partnership.
