IGP Disu Tasks Rivers Police on Stronger Community Partnership, 2027 Election Security

By Ike Wigodo
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has charged officers and men of the Rivers State Police Command to strengthen collaboration with residents and other stakeholders to sustain peace and improve security across the state.
Disu gave the charge during an interaction with officers and men of the command, led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, in Rivers State.
The IGP commended the command for its efforts in tackling security challenges, noting that feedback from community members and stakeholders indicated an improvement in the state's security situation.
“I have noticed that the Commissioner of Police has put a lot of work into securing the state,” Disu said.
He added that his interactions with residents and stakeholders showed a general appreciation of the command's achievements in improving security.
“I have seen the successes recorded and interacted with members of the community and several stakeholders. Everybody is in agreement that my officers are doing a lot and have been able to improve security in the state,” he said.
Disu explained that the meeting was convened to review police operations, address complaints and discuss preparations for the 2027 general elections.
He said officers had been directed to engage relevant stakeholders, build cordial relationships with members of the public and respond promptly to residents seeking police assistance.
“The purpose of the meeting is to interact with my officers, discuss their operations and address some of the complaints I have received. We also discussed the 2027 elections.
“I directed them to meet with stakeholders, endear themselves to members of the public and respond promptly whenever members of the public seek assistance,” the IGP stated.
The police chief also commended Rivers residents for their awareness of their rights, describing them as enlightened citizens who were willing to speak up and defend their interests.
He, however, urged residents to maintain a cooperative relationship with the police, stressing that the security gains recorded in the state demonstrated the importance of partnership between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“I thank the citizens of Rivers State. They are very enlightened, and you cannot push them around. They stand up for their rights.
“I urge the citizens of the state to cooperate with the police. The level of security we have achieved shows that there is cooperation between the police and the community,” he said.
Disu further charged officers to consolidate the existing relationship with residents to sustain peace and strengthen security across Rivers State.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, thanked the IGP for what he described as fatherly advice.
Adepoju assured the police chief that officers and men of the command would heed his directives and implement the recommendations to enhance police-community relations.