By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Utebor, Asaba
The Delta State Police Command has stepped up preparations for the festive season with a strategic engagement with members of the Bankers’ Forum across the state.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in Asaba, was convened by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, as part of proactive measures to safeguard financial institutions and residents during the ember months.
In attendance were the Chief Security Officer of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Asaba branch, and 39 heads of commercial banks operating across Delta State.
Representing the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the yuletide season traditionally comes with increased movement of people and, in some cases, criminal activity.
He urged banks to strengthen their internal security architecture and collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent breaches.
DCP Adejobi stressed the need for functional CCTV installations within banking environments, explaining that such systems would assist the police in monitoring and curbing criminal activity.
He further noted Delta’s geographical proximity to Edo and other states, pointing out that a coordinated security approach was necessary to counter potential threats.
The Chief Security Officer of the CBN in Asaba, Mrs. Evangeline Patrick, praised the police command for initiating the meeting. She disclosed that the CBN does not release cash to banks that fail to provide sufficient armed escorts for specie movement.
The Deputy Commissioner assured bankers that the command remained committed to tackling crime across the state, emphasizing that the meeting