By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
DELTA: On April 5th, 2025, the Delta State Police Command celebrated National Police Day with a series of impactful community engagement activities, demonstrating its commitment to fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and the public. From sanitation exercises to free medical outreaches and student programs, the day was marked by an array of initiatives aimed at serving and connecting with local communities across the state.
The day’s events were held simultaneously in all eight Area Commands of Delta State, underscoring the importance of statewide involvement and the deepening of police-community ties. One of the focal points of the celebration was a series of town hall meetings led by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
These meetings brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Honorary Mess members, the State Anti-Cult, Vigilant Groups, Nigeria Hunters, and traditional rulers. They provided an open platform for honest discussions on security challenges, crime prevention, and the role of the police in community safety.
In his address during the town hall meeting, CP Abaniwonda emphasized that security is a shared responsibility, stating, “A safe community is built on the trust and collaboration of the police and the people we serve. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to the people of Delta State and to making our communities safer and stronger.”
The police also took their outreach efforts to local schools, where officers, in collaboration with the Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV) and the Department of State Services (DSS), engaged students in primary and secondary schools.
The discussions focused on personal safety, the dangers of cybercrimes, the consequences of drug abuse, and the importance of good citizenship. This initiative, aimed at educating young minds about their roles in maintaining law and order, was seen as a crucial step toward building a more informed and responsible future generation.
While education and dialogue were key components of the day, the Delta State Police Command also made significant strides in improving public health through a free medical outreach.
Hundreds of community members across the state had access to essential medical services, including blood pressure checks, malaria testing, and general consultations. Police medical professionals were on hand to offer care, and many individuals left with prescribed medications and advice for healthier living. “We are here not only to enforce the law but also to ensure that the community is physically well,” said SP Edafe Bright, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), during the medical outreach.
In a symbolic move to promote environmental responsibility, CP Abaniwonda led a sanitation exercise at Ogbogonogo Market in Asaba, with police officers and local residents joining forces to clean public spaces.
This sanitation effort, which extended to other local governments, served as a visual representation of the police’s dedication to maintaining not only a safe but also a clean and healthy environment. “Community engagement is about more than just law enforcement; it’s about creating an environment where people can live and thrive,” CP Abaniwonda stated as he led the cleanup.
The National Police Day events in Delta State were a resounding success, marking a milestone in the ongoing efforts of the Delta State Police Command to build trust, improve public welfare, and enhance community relations.
These initiatives reflect the changing role of the police in Nigeria, where officers are seen not only as law enforcers but also as partners in the community’s growth and well-being. The day served as a reminder that law enforcement should be intertwined with service to the public, and that community collaboration is key to a safer and healthier society.