January 30, (THEWILL) – The Bayelsa State Police Command has declared readiness to sustain the peace and zero crime level in Yenagoa, the State capital, and its environ with the adoption of technology and rejig of security strategy in the state.
Spokesperson of the State Police Command, ASP Musa Mohammed, who disclosed this during a media-social interactive session at the Ernest Ikoli Media Centre Secretariat of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Yenagoa, tagged “Long Table”, said the police have deployed drone technology to monitor crime and also check some excesses of personnel during operations.
ASP Mohammed disclosed that since the introduction of the drone technology, a series of arrests have been made, including the arrest of two policemen over alleged extortion.
He said the apprehended policemen are already facing internal disciplinary processes and warned the public against offering bribes to the police.
ASP Mohammed, after listening to complaints about the activities of a particular tactical squad, alleged extortion and suggestions from media practitioners in the state, pointed out that under the watch of the Commissioner of Police, Alonyenu Francis Idu, the police will not condole police extortion and other irregularities by its personnel.
He noted that the State Commissioner of Police, who had served in Bayelsa and has a good knowledge of the terrain, has brought new strategies to combat crime head-on before they are even committed.
He said, “Police molestation and extortion will not be condoned. We have drones which help us do our work effectively, which is part of strategies in combating crime head-on.
“No room for any crime because our eyes are in the sky. We will continue to ensure our policing stability. We look forward to a good relationship and improve even more. We now operate with our eagle eyes. I want to assure you that we will work together. Together we can build a better Bayelsa State.
“Let us come up with new ideas and patterns. I’m open to learning and contributions. The state is growing fast and we will continue to be the most peaceful state in the country.”
The Police Public Relations Officer maintained that the successes recorded by the Bayelsa command under CP Alonyenu Francis Idu are due largely to the cooperation of the people, inter-agency support and the support of the State Government.
He also commended the media for playing a vital role in the balanced and fair reportage of incidents in the state. While appreciating the media for the level of support given to the State Police Command, he solicited continued support for the Command and his office as the newly deployed PPRO.
Earlier in his speech, the State Chairman of the NUJ, Bayelsa Chapter, Comrade Samuel Numonengi, commended the top echelon of the State Police Command for the appointment of ASP Musa Mohammed and the sustained partnership with media practitioners in the state to curb crime and criminality.
Numonengi described the media and the Nigerian Police as partners in the investigative duty of ensuring peace in the state and solicited more support in order to sustain the zero level of crime in the state.
The NUJ Chairman appreciated the PPRO for coming to fraternise with the council, adding that his relationship with the media will also determine the success of the Command.
Numonengi reiterated that his predecessor succeeded because of his cordial relationship with the media in the state.
About the Author
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
