The Abia State Police Command has intensified collaboration with security and emergency-response agencies across the state to strengthen intelligence sharing, improve public safety and ensure faster response to emergencies.
The Command’s spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, disclosed this in a statement following separate engagements by the Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, with the State Director of Security, Kingsley Anuforo, and officials of the State Fire and Emergency Services.
Chinaka said the engagements formed part of the Commissioner’s efforts to deepen inter-agency cooperation in line with the Inspector-General of Police’s directive on professionalism, public trust and effective collaboration among security agencies.
She said Afolabi’s meeting with the State Director of Security focused on strengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms and involving relevant stakeholders in the Command’s forthcoming capacity-building programmes.
The programmes are expected to focus on intelligence gathering, emotional intelligence and threat analysis.
Discussions also covered the Community Safety Partnership Initiative and joint security analysis ahead of the forthcoming elections.
The State Director of Security and his team, according to Chinaka, welcomed the initiative and pledged continued cooperation with the Police Command.
The Commissioner later visited the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Homeland Security, Fire and Medical Emergency, Chukwunneye Alajemba, and the Chief Fire Officer of the state.
The visit focused on strengthening cooperation between the Police and Fire Service, particularly in emergency response and the investigation of fire incidents, including suspected cases of arson.
Afolabi commended Governor Alex Otti for the ongoing renovation and upgrading of equipment at the State Fire Service, stressing that all relevant agencies have a critical role to play in protecting lives and property.
He also called for coordinated emergency response, intelligence sharing, joint training and simulation exercises, as well as seamless communication among agencies during emergencies.
The Police Commissioner obtained the emergency contact lines of the Fire Service in Umuahia and Aba and directed that they be circulated to police divisions and formations across the state.
The move, the spokesperson said, is aimed at facilitating prompt intervention during emergencies and supporting police investigations into fire-related incidents.
The Commissioner was subsequently taken on a tour of the Fire Service facility, which is currently undergoing renovation and upgrading.
