By: Felix Ikpotor
Newly deployed Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed Bala has promised to restored normalcy in troubled councils of the state.
Bala, who spoke to journalist on resumption of duty on Tuesday, noted that Rivers State as one of the economic hubs of the country, faces major security challenges such as kidnapping, oil bunkering, cultism amongst others, promising to use holistic approach in tackling the myriads of challenges.
He said his immediate response to the crisis rocking the various council would be to restore normalcy and to collaborate with critical stakeholders to address the challenges head-on.
“I am aware that Rivers State, being one of the nation’s economic hubs, faces unique security challenges. From incidents of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and oil bunkering to communal clashes and violent crimes, and more recently crises emanating from political interests, the complexities of maintaining law and order here require a proactive and strategic approach.
“My priority task is to swiftly restore calm in the respective Local Government Areas where pockets of violence and arson attacks have been present, and my commitment is to work collaboratively with the state and non-state actors as well as all critical stakeholders to address these challenges head-on,” he stated.
CP Bala said he has reviewed the current security situation in the state, and outline his vision and strategies for ensuring the safety and security of the state to includes; strengthening intelligence gathering, community policing and public engagement, zero tolerance for corruption and unprofessional conduct, tackling cultism and youth violence, combating oil theft and environmental crimes and enhancing response time and visibility.
He promised to collaborate with all stakeholders, noting that the force can’t work in isolation, he therefore, “Call on traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, the media, religious organizations, and every law-abiding citizen to cooperate with the police in our efforts to rid the state of crime and violence”.
The new Rivers police boss pledged to lead with integrity, transparency, and a profound sense of duty, saying, “My team and I are here to serve, and with your support, we can build a Rivers State where peace, security, and development thrives.”
