…former CP confirms redeployment to Abuja on IGP’s order
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Adebowale Lawal, has pledged to tackle rising insecurity across the state, with a special focus on combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Lawal made the vow on Monday during a formal handover ceremony at the state police headquarters in Akure, where he officially took over from the outgoing Commissioner, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.
His deployment follows the removal of Afolabi last week by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Afolabi has since been redeployed to the Force Headquarters in Abuja to oversee administration at the Department of Training and Development (DTD).
Although reports linked Afolabi’s removal to the recent June 12 Democracy Day protest led by activist Omoyele Sowore in Akure, the former CP dismissed the claims as misleading.
Speaking shortly after assuming office, Lawal warned that his administration would not tolerate kidnapping, cultism, or other criminal activities.
He emphasised the importance of intelligence-driven policing, professional conduct, prompt response to emergencies, and strong collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to upholding human rights while ensuring increased police visibility across the state.
“So, I’ve the confidence that with the management team around me and with the support of the good people of Ondo state, we are going to achieve more successes in these areas to fight crime together.
“I hereby call on all the stakeholders, the military, NSCDC, and non-state actors to give all the support they gave my predecessor.
“I have taken the responsibility. It is a challenge. I want to assure everybody that it will live up to expectations,” the new CP said.
He assured that his term in the police command would build on the achievements of his predecessor to rid the state of criminals.
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Mr Lawal also called on the residents of the state to join hands with him in addressing the challenges threatening their peace and livelihood.
He, however, issued a stern warning to miscreants and potential criminals to stay away from the state, saying the police command is battle-ready to rid the state of all crime and criminality.
“All I will request is the support of everyone, the stakeholders, because security is not only the responsibility of the police.
“The areas where we need to address, where we need to re-strategise, the outgoing CP has briefed me, and we are going to work on those areas.
“I want to thank the IGP for giving me this opportunity to take charge of this command, and I want to assure him that I will not disappoint,” Lawal added
Remarking, the outgoing CP asked the people of the state to extend support to his successor in office.
Afolabi also used the occasion to deny the link of his redeployment from the state to the protest held by Omoyele Sowore, saying his removal was just a routine posting.
He, however, highlighted that his short stay in the state tenure recorded some success, which included the arrest and prosecution of over 30 kidnappers, 83 cult groups, armed robbers, and car snatchers, amongst others.