Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, OFR, has commended the Inspector General of Police for introducing a policy that allows newly commissioned police officers to be posted to serve in their states of origin, describing the initiative as thoughtful, strategic and beneficial to effective policing.
Governor Otti made the remarks on Thursday, January 8, while receiving 31 newly commissioned Abia-born police officers of the 7th Regular Course of the Nigerian Police Academy at the Government House. The officers were recently posted to Abia State in line with the new directive of the Inspector General of Police.
The governor described the policy as a significant step towards strengthening community policing, noting that officers who serve in their home states are more familiar with the local terrain, culture and language, which enhances intelligence gathering and response to security threats.
“It is a fantastic policy to post officers to their home states. You know the nooks and crannies of where you come from,” Governor Otti said. “If you are posted to a place like Maiduguri, before you settle down and understand the culture, language may also be a barrier. But here, you understand the people and the language, and that comes with many advantages.”
He used the occasion to commend the Inspector General of Police and his management team for what he described as a forward-looking initiative, stressing that Abia State fully welcomes and supports the policy.
“I would like to use this opportunity to salute the IGP and his team for this policy. It is a great policy and we welcome it,” the governor stated.
Governor Otti assured the officers that his administration places a high premium on security and remains fully aware of developments across the state. He reaffirmed his commitment to sustaining peace and safety in Abia, adding that security would continue to receive priority attention.
He urged the newly commissioned officers to remain focused, disciplined and professional in the discharge of their duties, warning against unwholesome practices that could undermine public trust in the police. The governor also acknowledged the requests made by the officers regarding their welfare and operational challenges, assuring them that the state government would provide support through the appropriate channels.
“The support you will receive from this government will be coordinated through the Special Adviser on Security,” he said, assuring them of his readiness to partner with the police to address security concerns.
Also speaking at the event, a senior Abia indigene and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Monday Ubani, applauded the policy of posting officers to their home states, noting that it would enhance policing effectiveness by leveraging local knowledge.
According to him, indigenous officers are better positioned to identify criminal networks, understand the terrain and locate hideouts, thereby preventing crimes before they escalate.
Dr Ubani, who described Governor Otti as one of the best-performing governors in the country, credited his administration with improving safety and security in Abia State. He charged the officers to uphold integrity, honesty and professionalism in their careers.
“So, I want you to remain very honourable. Let your lives be governed by integrity and honesty. Do not involve yourselves in anything criminal or fraudulent,” he said. “You are here to ensure justice for everyone. As police officers, do not make policing transactional.”
Earlier, speaking on behalf of the officers, Assistant Superintendent of Police Irozuru Somtochukwu Justice said they were at the Government House on a courtesy visit following their commissioning and posting to Abia State.
He explained that their posting back to their state of origin under the Inspector General’s initiative would strengthen their connection to the people and reinforce their commitment to protecting lives and property.
“Our posting back home after commissioning is part of the Inspector General of Police initiative to strengthen community policing by allowing officers return to their state of origin to begin their career among their own people,” ASP Irozuru said.
“This initiative fosters trust, collaboration and effective community policing,” he added, noting that serving among familiar communities would deepen their resolve to safeguard residents, even at great personal risk if necessary.
The officer appealed to the state government for support in addressing basic welfare needs, stressing that improved welfare would enhance effective policing and personal development.
He also commended Governor Otti for what he described as people-centred governance and visible commitment to improving the welfare of Abians.
“Abians have witnessed purposeful leadership, people-centred policies and a sincere commitment to the welfare of the common man,” he said. “Your works speak loudly across Nigeria and continue to inspire young people like us to believe that service, integrity and sacrifice still matter.”
The event was attended by several top government officials, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba, PhD, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba (Rtd). The newly commissioned officers presented a framed photo portrait to Governor Otti as a token of appreciation.
