15 Things You Need to Know About CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, The New Rivers State Commissioner of Police

Here are 15 things about CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the new Rivers State Commissioner of Police, based on the information available up to September 18, 2024:

1. Background: Olufemi Abaniwonda hails from Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State.
2. Education: He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Lagos in 1987 and a Master of Arts in Economic History from the same institution in 1990.
3. Training: Abaniwonda attended the elite Police Academy in Kaduna, which is a significant step in the training of Nigerian police officers.
4. Early Career: He started his police career in November 1995, posted to Kogi State Police Command as an Assistant Superintendent of Police.
5. International Experience: He has been deployed for peacekeeping missions, notably in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2000 and served as a Training Adviser at the United Nations’ Integrated Office in Sierra Leone in 2008.
6. Career Progression: Over the years, he served in various capacities within the Nigeria Police Force, including as Area Commander in Gwagwalada and Oyo State Commands.
7. Rank: He was promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police in January 2024.
8. Previous Post: Before his appointment in Rivers State, he was the Commissioner of Police for Delta State.
9. Appointment to Rivers State: He was appointed as the new Commissioner of Police for Rivers State following a redeployment by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
10. Security Focus: Abaniwonda has expressed intentions to build on existing security mechanisms to ensure peace and safety in Rivers State.
11. Public Interaction: He has advised the public to cooperate with the police and other security agencies, particularly urging youths not to engage in criminal activities.
12. Protest Management: He has given conditions for protests to be held, indicating his approach to managing public order while ensuring safety.
13. Community Engagement: His approach includes engaging with community leaders and stakeholders to maintain peace, as seen in his handling of the NLC protest in Delta State.
14. Security Trust Fund: He has criticized the non-functional status of the Security Trust Fund in Delta State, indicating a focus on resource management for security.
15. Public Perception: There’s an expectation among some residents of Rivers State, as reflected in social media, that his tenure might start with a strong enforcement stance but will eventually adapt to local dynamics.

These points outline CP Olufemi Abaniwonda’s professional journey, his approach to policing, and public expectations, providing a comprehensive view of his role as the new Commissioner of Police for Rivers State.