NEWS
Mayor Obialor Anyanwu Hails Improved Security in Aba South as Police Launch Community Safety Partnership Initiative
The Mayor of Aba South Local Government Area, Hon. Obialor Denis Anyanwu, has applauded the improved security situation in Aba South, attributing the progress to stronger collaboration between the Nigeria Police Force and members of the community.
Mayor Anyanwu gave the commendation on Friday, August 22, 2026, when the Abia State Police Command officially flagged off its Community Safety Partnership Initiative at the Area Command Headquarters in Aba.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Abia State Police Command to deepen community policing, strengthen public confidence in law enforcement and create a more coordinated approach to tackling crime and insecurity across the state.
The programme is in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olutunji Rilwan Disu, to promote accountability, professionalism, intelligence-led policing and stronger engagement between the Police and the communities they serve.
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, formally launched the initiative during the well-attended event, which brought together key stakeholders from across Aba and beyond.
Present were traditional rulers, religious leaders, representatives of women and youth groups, transport unions and other community stakeholders. Sister security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), were also represented.
However, the remarks of Mayor Anyanwu stood out as he gave a firsthand account of the changes in the security situation of Aba South since his administration came on board nearly two years ago.
Welcoming the Commissioner of Police to Aba South and commending the Police for their efforts in improving security, the Mayor said the visit and community engagement were important steps towards building a safer environment for residents and businesses.
“CP, we are grateful you are here today for this familiarization visit and community engagement geared towards partnership and ensuring we have a safer community,“ Mayor Anyanwu said.
The Mayor, who spoke with conviction about the progress recorded in security within Aba South, noted that the difference between the situation he met upon assuming office and what currently obtains in the area is clear.
“Sir, I must not fail to tell you, I have been here for close to two years as the Mayor of Aba South. What it was when we came in and what it is today is no longer the same. There is improved police performance and collaboration between the NPF and the community. That is evident,“ he stated.
Mayor Anyanwu further highlighted the structured partnership that now exists between the Aba South Local Government Council and security agencies, particularly the regular review of security reports and developments within the area.
“We hold our security meeting every month and our reports are being analyzed and evaluated, and the pointers are there that there are improvements,“ he added.
While acknowledging the progress already made, the Mayor urged the Police to sustain the momentum and do even more to ensure that Aba South remains safe for residents, traders, business owners and visitors.
The event also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to speak openly about security challenges affecting their communities.
During an interactive session, participants raised concerns bordering on pickpocketing and other petty crimes in Aba, the proliferation of local security outfits, alleged abuse of office by some vigilante personnel, the use of unmarked vehicles by police officers, improper dressing and lack of identification among officers, the protection of informants and incidents of road extortion by both security personnel and non-state actors.
Despite these concerns, participants also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Abia State Police Command in maintaining security and responding to criminal activities across the state.
Responding to the issues raised, CP Afolabi assured stakeholders that their observations and concerns would receive prompt attention. He reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for unprofessional conduct, particularly extortion, improper dressing and abuse of office.
The Commissioner said officers have continued to receive sensitization on professional conduct and warned that violations would not be tolerated.
He also outlined several measures already being implemented by the Command, including the training and retraining of officers on modern crime prevention strategies, intelligence gathering and crime mapping.
According to the CP, the Command has adopted a data-driven approach to policing, with continuous updates of community crime maps aimed at identifying crime-prone areas and deploying resources more effectively.
He further disclosed plans to revamp the Command’s Cybercrime Unit as part of efforts to confront emerging digital threats and other forms of technology-driven criminal activities.
In another move aimed at improving accountability and rebuilding public confidence, CP Afolabi directed that the use of unbranded vehicles for official duties must cease immediately. He also stressed that police officers must be properly dressed and wear clearly visible name tags to enable members of the public to easily identify them.
The Police Commissioner also emphasized the need for greater synergy with approved local community security outfits and other security agencies, noting that structured mentoring and collaboration would help improve professionalism and service delivery.
In a major demonstration of his commitment to public participation in security matters, CP Afolabi made his contact available to members of the public for the provision of credible and timely security information.
He thanked stakeholders for their impressive turnout and constructive contributions, stressing that the Police cannot effectively secure communities in isolation.
For Mayor Anyanwu and the Aba South Local Government Council, the initiative further reinforces the importance of the existing partnership between the Council, the Police and members of the community.
With regular security meetings, the analysis of reports and continuous engagement with security agencies already in place, the Mayor’s commendation of the improved situation in Aba South reflects the significance of sustained collaboration in the fight against crime.
The Commissioner of Police reaffirmed that the Community Safety Partnership Initiative would not end in Aba, as plans are underway to sustain and extend the programme to other Area Commands across Abia State.
The initiative is expected to serve as a broader platform for dialogue, intelligence sharing, accountability and joint action, with the ultimate goal of building safer communities 
and ensuring lasting peace and security across the state.