NEWS
Abia Police CP, Wilfred Afolabi Warns Against Extortion, Proxy Arrests, Orders Daily Crime Map Updates
The Abia State Commissioner of Police Abia, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has issued a stern warning to police officers against extortion, arrest by proxy and unprofessional conduct, declaring that strict supervision and accountability will be enforced across the command.
Afolabi gave the warning on Monday, October 26, 2026, during a strategic meeting with the command’s Management Team and Area Commanders, where he outlined measures to strengthen discipline, improve operational efficiency and enhance security across Abia State.
The meeting focused on reinforcing professionalism, effective supervision and accountability among officers, with the police commissioner charging senior officers to take greater responsibility for the conduct and performance of personnel under their command.
As part of efforts to strengthen security within police formations, the CP directed that station guards be adequately reinforced to improve the protection of police stations and other operational facilities.
He also tasked Area Commanders with ensuring regular and effective supervision of divisions under their jurisdictions, stressing the need for continuous monitoring of officers’ conduct, performance and adherence to established policing standards.
In a firm message against misconduct, Afolabi frowned at the practice of arrest by proxy and warned that extortion by police officers in the course of their duties would not be tolerated. To ensure compliance with professional standards, the commissioner announced that the command’s X Squad would be deployed to monitor officers’ activities and ensure that they discharge their responsibilities in line with the principles of professionalism and accountability. The move is aimed at strengthening internal monitoring, discouraging abuse of police powers and promoting public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
The police commissioner also ordered all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure that crime maps are available at their respective formations. He further directed Area Intelligence Officers (AIOs) and Divisional Intelligence Officers (DIOs) to update the crime maps daily, a measure designed to improve intelligence gathering, identify crime patterns and support proactive policing across the state.
According to the directives, the effective use of crime mapping and intelligence would help officers better understand security threats within their areas of responsibility and strengthen operational responses to criminal activities.
Afolabi also emphasised the importance of strict compliance with the Nigeria Police Force Social Media Policy, reminding officers that discipline, professionalism and accountability must extend to their activities on social media platforms. He stressed that officers must conduct themselves responsibly both in the performance of their official duties and in their public communications, in accordance with the established rules and regulations of the force.
Reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the CP said effective supervision, intelligence-led policing and professional conduct remained essential to maintaining security and public trust across Abia State.
The strategic meeting underscores the command’s determination to strengthen internal discipline, improve operational oversight and ensure that police personnel carry out their duties within the law while prioritising the safety and security of residents throughout the state.