By: Bulou Kosin, Warri.

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has reiterated his command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both public and private schools, as well as the general security of lives and property during the ember months.

The State Police Commissioner, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of the Department of Operations, gave the assurance on December 17, 2025, in Asaba at a strategic meeting involving security agencies and 62 school heads and teachers from public and private schools across the state. The meeting was convened by the police to brief stakeholders on measures being taken to forestall incidents such as the kidnapping of school students, which have occurred in other parts of the country.

CP Abaniwonda stated that “adequate deployments, intelligence-led patrols, and rapid response mechanisms have been activated across the state, particularly around schools, throughout the ember months.”

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Dafe, key issues discussed at the police–school stakeholders’ meeting included the fencing of school premises, installation of surveillance cameras, engagement of local vigilantes, improved collaboration between schools and security agencies, as well as emerging concerns such as parental interference and the misuse of mobile phones during school hours.

Addressing participants at the meeting, the Coordinator of the Safe Schools Initiative in Delta State, ACP George Efeizomor, assured stakeholders of sustained police support and urged school heads to maintain direct communication with their respective Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Area Commanders. Emergency control room numbers were also shared again at the meeting to enhance prompt reporting and rapid response.