Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, recently had an interview session on Parrot Xtra/Ayekooto on Splash 105.5FM with Olayinka Agboola where he outlined how his administration has curbed crime and cultism through strategy, community cooperation and disciplined policing. He also had words of advice for Nigerian parents while reflecting on key field experiences, major achievements and the challenges still facing the Command. Excerpts:
Why did you choose to join the Nigeria Police Force after studying at the University of Ibadan?
There is no profession as fulfilling as the Nigeria Police Force. Back in school, whenever police officers came to campus, we used to chase them away because we believed we were fighting for them even when they were not fighting for themselves. Eventually, I realised that if you want to change a narrative, you must be part of it. You cannot criticise from afar. I decided that rather than complain, I should join the system and contribute meaningfully. That was my motivation, and to the glory of God, here I am today.
As the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, what exactly does your role entail?
My primary duty is to protect the people. This involves supervising my officers, putting the right people in the right positions, and ensuring our strategies are effective. Rivers State, being part of the Niger Delta, has its unique challenges, including issues requiring rehabilitation and pockets of petty crime. We are consistently on the ground, evaluating threats and keeping the city safe.
How difficult or easy was the journey to the top of your career in the Force?
It required determination, hard work and a willingness to learn. Many young people today want to become wealthy overnight. Institutions, families and even religious organisations must help re-orientate them. Wealth does not come easily, and experience remains the best teacher. Hard work does not kill.
I will like to use this opportunity to call on Nigerian parents to teach their children so that crime rate will reduce. It will make our job as policemen less onerous. If they give their children proper upbringing, the job of policing the country will be easier. Youths must find their passion, pursue it diligently, and allow God to perfect the rest.
Was there ever a time you felt like quitting?
No, I can’t recall any such day. Anytime I’m deployed to a new terrain, I immediately start learning how to adapt, how to march, walk, interact and even eat differently. Adaptability has always kept me going by God’s Grace.
But you must have seen colleagues who chose to leave?
Yes, some left, lawyers, cadet officers and others who had different opportunities or lost passion for the job. In 1994, about three or four left. One of them eventually became a Governor, the former Governor of Bayelsa State. Everyone has a personal journey.
Have you ever had a narrow escape in your line of duty?
There have been many. I’ve served in Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Zamfara, and in multiple special squads. When you’re committed to this work, you will face risks. In Maiduguri, during operations around 2010, it was normal to encounter danger on the road or come under fire from enclaves. I also recall an incident during a students’ protest where a broken block hit my right eye. Thankfully, a mobile clinic was available and the injury was treated immediately.
What significant experiences stand out from your deployments in Zamfara and Borno?
When God destines you for a task, you zero your mind and stay focused. In Maiduguri, shootings were frequent, and some colleagues were accidentally hit, yet God protected us. You learn not to see danger as danger when you understand your calling and apply caution.
Since taking over as CP in Rivers State, what achievements do you wish to highlight?
Quite a lot. We’ve arrested numerous armed robbers, recovered charms, foiled robbery attempts, and retrieved many stolen vehicles. Whenever a crime occurs, we pursue the perpetrators relentlessly. I can confidently say that in 90% of reported cases, we have a recovery rate of 75–80%, alongside arrests. Recently, we apprehended a group that attacked our men and stole phones and generators. Everything stolen was recovered.
What drives your success as a police officer?
Passion and professionalism. I have understudied exemplary officers, including the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun and many other senior colleagues. I work closely with communities and ensure they receive feedback. When people trust you, they freely provide information that aids policing. We also meet regularly with stakeholders, community heads and local government representatives.
Are residents now more willing to share intelligence with the police?
Yes, especially in Rivers State. People here are cooperative and have a human face. Even offenders sometimes confess and seek a fresh start after honest conversations.
Commanding a state like Rivers must come with peculiar challenges. What are they?
Every organisation faces challenges. The government is doing its best, but we still need more manpower, vehicles and equipment. Rivers is a sensitive environment, and even though the state of emergency has ended, we work closely with the Air Force, NSCDC, DSS and others as one coordinated team. We also deploy personnel down to oil facilities to ensure continuous security coverage.
How were you able to tame cultism to its lowest level?
By understanding our terrain and deploying dedicated teams. The best form of defence is attack. We go after them—in their camps, hideouts and operational zones. That is why the numbers have dropped significantly.
With the festive season approaching, what measures have you put in place?
We have deployed men to all strategic points. Criminals go to work daily, so we don’t sleep. Night patrols, stop-and-search operations and additional evening deployments are all in place. My advice is for residents to remain vigilant, secure their property and adjust their security habits during the festive period.
Has social media helped or hindered your work?
Both. It helps tremendously by putting us on our toes and improving public perception when we act swiftly. But false information can also cause panic. The key is to stay proactive and provide prompt feedback.
What is your message to the people of Rivers State?
I appreciate their support. The calmness in the state is largely because of them. I urge every resident to maintain good relationships with their local DPOs, provide useful information and continue supporting the police.
