security
Governor Alex Otti Hails IGP’s Home-State Posting Policy as Strategic Boost to Community Policing, Assures Unwavering Commitment to Security in Abia
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has commended the policy of posting newly commissioned police officers to serve in their states of origin, describing it as a visionary and people-oriented initiative capable of significantly strengthening internal security and community policing across the country.
Governor Otti gave the commendation on Thursday, January 8, while receiving in audience 31 newly commissioned Abia-born police officers of the 7th Regular Course of the Nigerian Police Academy, who were deployed to Abia State in line with the new directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP).
The Governor described the policy as both fantastic and strategic, noting that indigenous officers possess deep knowledge of their environment, culture, language, and social dynamics, critical assets in effective policing and crime prevention.
“It is a fantastic policy to post officers to their home States. You know all the nooks and crannies of where you come from.
“If they had posted you to Maiduguri, maybe before you settle down, before you get used to the culture, the language is also a barrier.
“So here, if they are speaking any language, you will understand. So, there are a lot of advantages.
“I would like to use this opportunity to salute the IGP and his team for that policy. It’s a great policy and we welcome it,” Gov. Otti stated.
Governor Otti further reassured the officers and the people of Abia State that security remains a top priority of his administration, stressing that his government maintains a firm grip on security intelligence across the state.
According to him, “there is nothing that happens around the State that his government does not know,” as he reaffirmed his resolve to continue investing in proactive and intelligence-driven security architecture.
The Governor charged the newly commissioned officers to remain disciplined, focused, and professional, urging them to shun unwholesome practices and uphold integrity in the discharge of their duties. He acknowledged the requests presented by the officers and assured them of the government’s readiness to support them in addressing the challenges raised.
Governor Otti added that all forms of institutional support from the state government would be coordinated through the Special Adviser on Security to ensure efficiency and accountability.
Also speaking at the event, a prominent Abia stakeholder and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr. Monday Ubani, praised the policy of deploying officers to their home states, describing it as a practical approach that would enhance intelligence gathering and crime prevention.
Dr. Ubani noted that indigenous officers are better positioned to identify criminals, understand the terrain, and dismantle criminal hideouts swiftly, thereby nipping criminal activities in the bud.
He also lauded Governor Otti’s leadership style, describing him as one of the best-performing governors in Nigeria, whose governance has significantly improved safety and stability in Abia State. He urged the officers to remain professional and ethically grounded.
“So, I want you to remain very honourable. Let your life be governed by integrity, honesty. Don’t get yourself involved in anything that is criminal.
“Don’t get yourself involved in anything that is fraudulent. You are here to ensure justice to everyone. As a Police officer, don’t make policing transactional,” Dr Ubani stated.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the newly commissioned officers, ASP Irozuru Somtochukwu Justice said the officers were on a courtesy visit to formally present themselves to the Governor following their commissioning and posting to Abia State.
He explained that their deployment to their home state aligns with the IGP’s new policy aimed at strengthening community policing and deepening trust between law enforcement and the people.
He said that their posting to serve in Abia State in line with the IGP’s new policy, “will help strengthen our bond with our State and deepen our resolve to protect our people even at the risk of our life if need be.
“Our posting back home after commissioning is part of the Inspector General of Police initiative to strengthen community policing by allowing officers return to their State of origin to begin their career among their own people.
“This initiative fosters trust, collaboration and effective community policing,” He stated.
ASP Irozuru appealed to the state government for support in addressing the officers’ basic welfare needs, stressing that adequate welfare is essential for effective policing and personal development.
He also commended Governor Otti for his people-focused governance approach, describing it as a genuine commitment to the welfare of ordinary citizens in Abia State.
“Abians have witnessed purposeful leadership, people-centred policies and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the common man.
“Your works speak louder, and loudly across Nigeria and they continue to inspire young people like us to believe that service, integrity and sacrifices still matter,” The newly minted cop stated.
The event was attended by top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, Ph.D, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd), among others. The newly commissioned police officers also presented a photo portrait to Governo
r Otti as a token of appreciation and goodwill.