Matilda Omonaiye/
There has been a change in baton in the leadership of Abia State Police Command.
One-time Imo State commissioner of police (CP) Mr Chris Ezike, has assumed duty as new CP in Abia, promising to pursue a more effective and vigorous community policing in the state.
Ezike, until his appointment, was in charge of the Department of Research and Planning, Community Policing, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He took over from CP Anthony Ogbizi.
Speaking at the formal handover, at the CP’s office, Ezike said that he would partner with the communities in setting agenda and proffering solution to security challenges in Abia for better result.
He said that as a community-based organisation, the command under his watch would carry the communities along in the discharge of its duty to the people.
He added that the command would apply the “best practice principle” that would not compromise the quality of the police force but add value to the lives of the citizenry.
“I owe it a duty to God to discharge my duty to the best of my ability,” he said.
Ezike solicited the cooperation of the rank and file to ensure a more efficient policing of the area.
He promised to hold strategic meetings with the Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Units to properly acquaint himself with relevant information on the crime situation in Abia.
He said that he would specifically require information on crime statistics for the last three months, logistics and manpower holdings at the various divisions and area commands.
Ezike lauded his predecessor for his proven dedication and commitment in strengthening security for lives and property in the state.
In his brief remark, Ogbizi expressed satisfaction with the cooperation he received from officers and men of the command and urged them to extend more to the new commissioner.
Meanwhile, Ogbizi told newsmen that the command arrested 10 suspected criminals in connection with armed robbery, kidnapping and child trafficking.
He said the suspects were arrested in different parts of the state in the last one week of his duty in Abia, adding that they would be arraigned in courts after investigations.
Ogbizi swapped positions with Ezike and would assume duty at the Community Policing, Police Headquarters, Abuja.
0