New Commissioner of Police appointed for Edo State

The Police Service Commission in Nigeria has appointed Monday Agbonika as the new Commissioner of Police for Edo State, according to a statement issued by Ikechukwu Ani, Head of Press and Public Relations, on Thursday, April 3, 2025.

Agbonika, who takes over from CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, was charged by the Commission’s leadership to be proactive and settle down quickly to reduce the crime rate in the state.

He was also advised to investigate the recent killings in the state and ensure that justice is served.

“You have to sit up and also work to win the confidence of the people, consult relevant stakeholders and always document every incident and action taken and make sure those who should be informed are properly informed of your actions,” the Commission stated.

Agbonika was also warned against sidelining the requisite Police Departments for Tactical Units.

In response, he promised to stand by relevant laws and seek guidance from the Inspector General of Police.

With 32 years of experience in operations, investigation, administration, and police management, Agbonika is well-equipped to handle the challenges in Edo State.

His previous postings include Commissioner of Police Communications, Deputy Commissioner Interpol, and Area Commander in various states.

The appointment is effective immediately, and Agbonika is expected to make a significant impact in reducing crime and restoring order in Edo State.

Akwa Ibom State

Meanwhile, in Akwa Ibom State, the state Command of the Nigeria Police has forged partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency (AKSEPWMA).

Officers of the Command took to the streets of Uyo in a sanitation and cleanup exercise as part of activities marking the maiden National Police Day celebration.

A statement issued by DSP Timfon John, Police Public Relations Officer, Akwa Ibom State Command, indicates that the officers “alongside environmental workers and community volunteers, began the exercise with a walk from the State Police Headquarters, clearing waste along major roads and ending at Ibom Plaza, where they carried out an extensive cleanup of the area.”

The statement read:

“Speaking during the exercise, Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, for their vision in establishing the National Police Day, describing it as a step in the right direction toward recognizing the dedication and sacrifices of police officers nationwide.

“He also commended Governor Umo Eno for his unwavering commitment to security and environmental sustainability, in line with his ARISE Agenda, and appreciated the Chairman of AKSEPWMA, Obong Prince Ikim, for partnering with the Command in ensuring the success of the exercise.

“CP Azare emphasized that the National Police Day is not just about celebrating the Force but also about reinforcing the bond between the police and the public through meaningful engagements.”

The Commissioner of Police urged members of the public to actively participate in the remaining activities, assuring that the Command remains committed to fostering a safer and more secure Akwa Ibom State.

Enugu State

In another police related development, the Enugu State Police Command has dismissed reports of herdsmen invading the Eha-Amufu community in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area, describing the claims as “baseless, mischievous, and a calculated attempt to mislead the public and instill fear.”

According to Superintendent of Police Daniel Ndukwe, the Command’s spokesperson, the report alleging that herdsmen had taken over homes and schools in Eha-Amufu is false.

Ndukwe explained that the farm settlements mentioned in the report are temporary dwellings used by farmers who periodically return to their permanent residences in their villages.

The Police Command acknowledged that there were past conflicts in the area, specifically farmer-herder clashes in 2021 and 2022, which temporarily displaced farmers from the farm settlements.

However, Ndukwe stated that peace and order have since been restored to Eha-Amufu through joint security operations.

The Command commended the Enugu State Government, led by Governor Peter Mbah, for its efforts to enhance security in the area.

These efforts include deploying 150 military personnel and well-equipped Special Forces, establishing security agency barracks, and constructing a nearly completed 21.7km access road leading to some farm settlements.

Ndukwe criticized the medium that published the report for using unrelated images to support its claims.

After conducting forensic and digital fact-checking, it was discovered that the images were taken from old reports on incidents in neighboring states and other locations, then repurposed to mislead the public.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, urged the public to disregard the unfounded report and reassured citizens of the police’s commitment to maintaining law, order, and security across the state.

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