By Adetokunbo FAKEYE
Nigeria, Port-Harcourt – The 47th Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, today, Tuesday, 8th of October, 2024, assumed duty with call for cooperation from media, traditional rulers, and residents of the state to fight all form of criminality.
CP Bala, who made the call in his maiden press briefing immediately he took over from CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, who is now CP, FCT, Abuja, also promised to restore calm in all local government councils in the state.
Speaking on Security Challenges, he said:
“I am aware that Rivers State, being one of the nation’s economic hubs, faces unique security challenges. From incidents of kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery, and oil bunkering to communal clashes and violent crimes, and more recently crises emanating from political interests, the complexities of maintaining law and order here require a proactive and strategic approach.
“My priority task is to swiftly restore calm in the respective Local Government Areas where pockets of violence and arson attacks have been present, and my commitment is to work collaboratively with the state and non -state actors as well as all critical stakeholders to address these challenges head-on”.
On his Priorities and Strategies, CP Bala said, “Upon assuming this office, I have reviewed the current security situation in the state, and I would like to outline my vision and strategies for ensuring the safety and security of our communities and people.
1. Strengthening Intelligence Gathering
Intelligence is the mainstay of effective policing. We will strengthen our intelligence units and work closely with local communities, traditional institutions, and other supportive security agencies to gather actionable intelligence. This will enable us to prevent crimes before they occur and swiftly respond to any incidents.
2. Community Policing and Public Engagement
Policing is most effective when the police have the trust and cooperation of the people they serve. I will emphasise on building stronger ties between the police and the various communities across the state. We will work to regain public trust by ensuring our officers are approachable, professional, and respectful in their interactions. We are your police, and we are here to serve you.
3. Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Unprofessional Conduct
In my leadership, I will not tolerate any form of corruption, misconduct, or abuse of power by police officers. Those found engaging in unprofessional behaviour will face the full wrath of the law. We are here to uphold justice, not to be agents of oppression. Our internal monitoring mechanisms will be strengthened to ensure discipline within the ranks.
4. Tackling Cultism and Youth Violence:
Rivers State has been plagued by issues of cultism, which often lead to violent clashes and needless loss of lives. We will intensify our efforts in curbing cult-related activities and work with youth groups, religious bodies, and civil society organizations to promote peace, education, and alternative livelihoods for the youths.
5. Combating Oil Theft and Environmental Crimes:
Rivers State is a key player in Nigeria’s oil industry, but the illegal activities of oil thieves and pipeline vandals continue to undermine our economy and damage the environment. The command will collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, Army, Department of State Services (DSS), NSCDC and other relevant agencies to dismantle the networks responsible for these crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice.
6. Enhancing Response Time and Visibility:
We will improve our response time to distress calls and ensure increased police visibility, especially in crime-prone areas. Patrols will be regular, and special tactical teams will be deployed to critical areas as needed”.
To fight criminality, he said, “No police force can operate effectively in isolation. I therefore call on the people of Rivers State—traditional rulers, community leaders, youth groups, the media, religious organizations, and every law-abiding citizen—to cooperate with the police in our efforts to rid the state of crime and violence. Security is a collective responsibility, and I am confident that, working together, we can create a safer and more secure Rivers State”.
Below is the Profile of CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, psc
CP Bala psc, hails from Sandamu in Sandamu Local Government Area of Katsina State. He is a graduate of the prestigious Bayero University, Kano (BUK) where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree with Honours in Sociology in the year 1990. He holds a Masters degree in Law and Criminal Justice (MLCJ) from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria in the year 2006.
He was enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on the 18th of May, 1992 as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police course 3/92. He succeeds CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu as the 46th Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.
Work Experience:
He is the immediate past Commissioner of Police, INEC Police Liaison Office; Commissioner of Police SPU (Special Protection Unit FHQ) as well as
Commissioner of Police Abia State Command. w.e.f. 19/9/2022 to 16/06/2023
DC SCID Owerri, DC Operations, Zone 3 Yola and Dc operations kaduna Command.
He was also a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone 6 CID Calabar, Cross Rivers State. He similarly served as Area Commander in Dambatta Kano State, Ahoada Rivers State 2015-2016 and AC Operations Bauchi State. He was DPO in various Commands nationwide.
Courses Attended:
CP Mustapha Mohammed Bala, psc has attended several courses both at home and abroad which include: Advanced Detective Course, Intermediate Command Course (ICC) 54/2007, Strategic and Leadership Command Course (SLCC) 2008, Divisional Management Team Course (DMTC), Community Safety Partnership Course (CSPC), Justice For All (DFID J4A) British Embassy (Under Community Police Strategy Perceptive of the British Government).
Social/Marital Life:
CP Mustapha Mustapha Bala is happily married and have children.
