Benin City- The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, on Friday assured the newly appointed Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, of continued support and stronger collaboration in efforts to enhance security across the state.

The assurance was given when the new police chief paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City, alongside a high-powered delegation that included the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 5, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, the AIG of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force, and other senior officers.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okpebholo congratulated the IGP on his appointment as the 23rd indigenous Inspector General of Police, describing him as a thorough professional whose rise through the ranks was earned through competence, dedication, and discipline.

“Let me first congratulate you and also let you know that we are solidly behind you. You have so far demonstrated professionalism in your work and that is why you rose to the rank at which you are today,” the governor said.

Governor Okpebholo also recalled the role played by the IGP during events surrounding the 2024 Edo governorship election, commending his conduct and professionalism at the time.

“I remember the night before my election as governor. You were one of those who went there to get Governor Obaseki out of that place. I was impressed with the way you demonstrated professionalism that night. If you were not a professional police officer, maybe there would have been harassment or something else,” he stated.

The governor further pledged continued cooperation with the Nigeria Police Force, while calling for greater collaboration and support from the police hierarchy to sustain peace and security in Edo State.

“We need more collaboration. We need more support from you. When I look at the calibre of men deployed to Edo State, I see officers who are committed to keeping the state safe. Day and night, these people do not sleep in their houses. I want to thank you and God bless you,” he added.

Earlier, the IGP said his visit to Edo State was part of efforts to interact with officers and men of the Edo State Command, while also appreciating the governor for his support to security agencies in the state.

“I’m here in Edo State to see my officers, the commissioner of police, and the men of the command. We thought it was very important to see you before commencing that exercise,” he said.

The police chief commended Governor Okpebholo for fulfilling commitments made towards supporting police operations in the state.

“The commissioner of police has been briefing me almost daily about all the assistance you have been rendering to officers of the Edo State Command. We have come to say thank you. All the promises you made, they have told me you fulfilled everything. Like Oliver Twist, I still solicit for more,” Disu stated.

The IGP stressed that tackling insecurity requires collective responsibility, noting that modern policing depends heavily on community participation and public trust.

“Security is everybody’s business. Modern policing says the police are the community and the community are the police. We are trying as much as possible to enforce community policing,” he said.

According to him, commissioners of police across the country have also been directed to make their phone numbers publicly available to strengthen communication and improve trust between the police and members of the public.

“We are trying as much as possible to start intelligent policing and policing by consent,” the IGP added.

Governor Okpebholo received the delegation alongside the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, Chief of Staff, Hon. Yakubu Musa, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Prince Kassim Afegbua, and retired General Cecil Esekhaigbe.