The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, has warned police officers against extortion, unlawful arrests and human rights abuses, while raising concerns over the growing abuse of dangerous substances among youths.
Eralе gave the warning during his visit to the Ughelli Area Command, where he engaged community stakeholders on security challenges and charged officers to uphold professionalism, discipline and accountability in the discharge of their duties.
Addressing officers and men of the command, the Commissioner said the Police would not tolerate misconduct, particularly extortion and violations of the fundamental human rights of citizens.
He urged officers to embrace intelligence-led policing, remain vigilant and ensure that their conduct reflected the core values and constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force.
The police boss also called on officers to strengthen their relationship with members of the public, stressing that effective policing depended largely on public trust, cooperation and timely intelligence.
At a stakeholders’ meeting, Erale described security as a collective responsibility and urged traditional rulers, community leaders, religious organisations and residents to partner with the Police by providing credible information that could assist in preventing and combating crime.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, noting that community cooperation remained essential to tackling security threats.
The Commissioner also expressed concern over the increasing abuse of hard drugs among young people, observing that the pattern of substance abuse had become increasingly disturbing.
He noted that many youths were moving beyond cannabis to more dangerous substances, warning that the trend posed a serious threat to their lives and future.
“That is a bitter truth. No need to pretend. If you have been here for 15 years, you have seen it. There is a great tendency that people have moved from cannabis,” he said.
While acknowledging the traditional medicinal uses of some plants, Erale cautioned against confusing such practices with the abuse of dangerous substances currently circulating among youths.
“God gives life. Everything you see that grows from the ground, it is God giving. If that leaf was not good, God would not have created it for those who believe in traditional medicine,” he said.
He, however, warned young people against experimenting with dangerous drugs, stressing that substance abuse could destroy their health, lives and future.
“Many of us who have done one of those things before, that is why we are here,” he added.
Erale urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment and discourage young people from engaging in drug abuse.
He also encouraged youths to shun illicit substances and embrace productive activities, stressing the need for collective efforts to address the menace.
The visit formed part of the Commissioner’s engagement with officers and community stakeholders aimed at strengthening security, improving police-community relations and promoting professionalism in policing across the state.
